St Joseph's Catholic and CofE (VA) Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 13 June 2023

This is an inclusive and happy school where pupils succeed. Leaders have created an ethos that nurtures and supports pupils. They have high aspirations for all pupils. Pupils say that they are happy to come to school. They feel safe and know that adults care about them. Leaders have ensured that pupils' well-being is at the heart of what the school does. Pupils talk confidently about their well-being. They are proud of their leadership roles. The anti-bullying ambassadors support pupils effectively to talk about their concerns. The mini leaders enjoy the responsibility of setting up playtime activities. Pupils meet the high expectations of behaviour. They behave very well. Pupils are respectful towards their peers and adults. Pupils across year groups work and play effectively together. Bullying is rare and staff deal with any incidents quickly. In some subjects, staff have high expectations of what pupils can achieve. However, some subjects are not planned clearly. As a result, pupils do not gain the knowledge they should across the curriculum. Parents and carers are overwhelmingly positive about the school. One parent spoke for many when they described the school as a place where pupils are 'encouraged to achieve and succeed with support and nurture'.

What the school should improve

• In some foundation subjects, leaders have not identified the key knowledge that pupils need to learn at each stage of their education. As a result, teachers do not know exactly what to teach and when. Pupils do not learn what leaders intend them to learn. Leaders should ensure that teachers know what knowledge to teach at each stage so that pupils' learning builds securely on what they have learned before.
• Leaders have not developed a consistent approach to checking pupils' learning in the foundation subjects. As a result, teachers do not clearly know what pupils have learned in these subjects. Leaders need to develop a consistent approach to checking pupils' learning in the foundation subjects so that teachers know what pupils know and remember and can address any gaps or misconceptions pupils may have.
• The curriculum for personal development does not help pupils to fully understand British values. It does not provide pupils with enough opportunities to learn about different cultures. This means that pupils are not well prepared for some aspects of life in modern Britain. Leaders must ensure that the curriculum enables pupils to develop a secure understanding of British values and different cultures.

Read the full Ofsted report (opens in a new tab)