St Joseph's Catholic Infant School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 10 October 2023

Pupils are really proud to come to this school. Leaders greet pupils at the school gate each morning. Pupils come into school happily, especially when pupils see Nutmeg, the school's dog. All members of the school community aim to live by the school's mission statement, which is based on, love, kindness and forgiveness. This helps to create an environment where pupils feel secure, happy and safe. Pupils are keen to tell visitors about how they earn house points for their school houses when they demonstrate positive attitudes and behaviour. Staff have high expectations of all pupils to do well, and pupils rise to this challenge. Staff and governors are clear that the central aim of the school is to provide the best education that they can for all pupils. This vision is achieved through the broad and ambitious curriculum, which enables pupils to learn well. There is a very wide range of after-school clubs for pupils to attend, such as chess, football and gymnastics. Most participate in at least one activity and leaders carefully monitor this. Pupils work and play happily together. Pupils' behaviour is exemplary. Staff address any issues swiftly and calmly, ensuring that no time is wasted during lessons. Pupils manage their own behaviour extremely well. Children in early years learn well together. They take turns and move calmly between different activities.

What the school should improve

• The curriculum does not support all pupils to form letters correctly and legibly. At times, this means that some pupils are unable to read back and understand their own written work and express their ideas accurately. Leaders should ensure that the curriculum, including in the early years, enables all pupils to form letters correctly and improve the legibility of their handwriting.

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