St Joseph's Catholic Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 17 October 2023

Pupils are proud to be members of this school. They respond positively to the schools' high expectations, which motivate them to try their best. Pupils enthusiastically share their learning with visitors and talk confidently about their work. They show resilience and know that learning takes commitment and effort. For example, it matters that they present their work neatly to meet the schools' high presentation standards. The school community is friendly and happy, which reflects the school's Catholic values of 'following, recognising and nurturing'. If children join the school mid-year, pupils help them to make friends quickly. Pupils enjoy opportunities to work together. They talk excitedly about residential trips, during which they learn new skills and experience new challenges through teamwork. Pupils know the school's three 'Diamond Rules' well. These support pupils to behave with respect and consideration for others, with weekly 'Diamond Awards' which recognise positive behaviour. Relationships between staff and pupils are warm. Pupils feel they can share any worries, either with teachers or through classroom 'worry boxes'. Across all years, they are confident that the school will support them to resolve problems, which means they feel safe.

What the school should improve

• In some foundation subjects, pupils do not recall or securely understand previous learning. This means they struggle to explain important concepts they have already been taught. The school needs to further develop staff knowledge of planning and assessment so that it supports pupils to remember important knowledge over time in all subjects.

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