St Joseph's Catholic Junior School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 20 July 2022

Pupils are happy and safe here. They learn in a positive and nurturing environment. Leaders have high expectations of all pupils. Pupils behave well in and out of lessons. They are well mannered and show maturity when speaking to adults. Pupils reported that bullying is rare. When it does happen, staff are quick to address it. Leaders have high ambitions for what pupils can achieve. The curriculum is broad and well sequenced. Leaders support pupils' wider development throughout the curriculum. Leaders encourage pupils to respond with care and interest to people's differences. Pupils are patient and kind to each other. They learn about a range of different cultures and faiths. Leaders ensure that pupils are taught to respect the views of others. Pupils spoke with excitement about the range of clubs and educational trips they take part in. Leaders have built valuable partnerships to give pupils different opportunities, particularly in sports. Pupils enjoy clubs in boxing, taekwondo and cricket, led by outside coaches. They compete in a variety of sports competitions. Older pupils are supported to develop their leadership skills and confidence. They act as role models to the younger ones. Pupils in Year 6 help to organise games during breaktime for younger pupils. The pupil chaplaincy team lead mass during collective worship.

What the school should improve

• Some pupils do not express an enjoyment of reading and do not read for pleasure at home. Leaders should ensure that they encourage pupils to read widely and often. They should seek ways to develop pupils' love of reading.
• In a few foundation subjects, leaders' efforts to build cross-curricular links dilute the key knowledge that pupils need to learn. This means that, occasionally, lesson time does not focus enough on knowledge and skill acquisition for the foundation subject. Leaders should ensure that the curriculum in foundation subjects consistently supports pupils to develop a strong understanding of subject content.
• Teachers do not routinely check pupils' understanding in lessons. They risk not identifying when pupils' learning is not secure and introducing new content too quickly. Leaders should ensure that teachers use assessment to check that pupils are ready to move on.

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