St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils flourish in this exceptional school.

They thrive in the 'St. Joseph's family' because everyone takes care of one another. Pupils strive to treat others as they wish to be treated.

This is evident in the warm and respectful relationships throughout the school. The behaviour of pupils is excellent, and their manners are impeccable.Pupils are challenged to be the best versions of themselves.

This is rooted in the school's strong Catholic vision, known to the children as 'Welcome, care and work hard'. The school has very high expectations of all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Pupils relish learning and ar...e ambitious to do their best.

By the end of key stage 2, pupils achieve significantly above the national average in reading, writing and mathematics. They also achieve consistently highly in other subjects.The school prioritises developing pupils' academic and personal development in equal measure.

This is reflected in the extensive range of clubs and events. Leadership roles provide excellent opportunities for pupils to be advocates for their peers. Pupils develop a deep understanding of personal responsibility and learn how to positively contribute to the school and wider community.

They are inspired by the education they receive and develop into well-rounded, respectful individuals.

What does the school do well and what does it need to do better?

The school is relentless in its determination to provide all pupils with an education of the highest quality. The excellent curriculum is designed to reflect the local community and military context.

Staff have forensically sequenced the precise content that pupils will learn across the curriculum. The quality of pupils' work is excellent because pupils are supported to gradually build and recall their understanding over time. For example, pupils learn about simple framing structures in key stage 1, which progresses to designing, building and evaluating large, complex motorised models by the end of key stage 2.

The quality of teaching is consistently remarkable. In Reception, children's language skills are enriched by skilled staff, who extend and deepen their understanding. Staff across the school exemplify and model precisely what they want pupils to learn.

They are highly effective in checking pupils' understanding and use this information to support learning. The school prioritises identifying pupils with SEND as early as possible. Staff provide bespoke adaptations to support these pupils to achieve highly.

The school provides individualised support for other pupils who are disadvantaged to ensure they achieve success that matches their peers. The consistency of teaching supports pupils to learn the ambitious curriculum very securely. Pupils are proud of their high-quality work across all subjects.

Their high achievement is reflected in published results that are well above the national average.

The teaching of reading is exemplary. Children in Reception start the reading programme swiftly and with purpose.

This continues throughout the school and reading remains a clear priority. Staff use information from precise checks to ensure that pupils read books that are accurately matched to the sounds they have learned. Consequently, pupils develop into fluent and accurate readers.

Pupils love reading and enjoy a broad range of carefully chosen books in the well-used library. They are keen to discuss their favourite authors and books, and this inspires them to continue reading at home.

Pupils are fiercely proud of their school.

This is embodied in their highly positive attitudes to attendance and punctuality. Pupils understand the importance of attending school and being on time. The school has a supportive but firm policy to promote attendance and helping families.

This has proved highly effective, with attendance rates significantly above national averages, including for the most vulnerable pupils.

Staff develop pupils' character exceptionally well. Pupils live up to the school's strong Catholic vision and values.

They are kind and accepting of others. Pupils' respect and consideration towards others is a notable strength of the school. They acquire a deep appreciation and knowledge about different faiths and perspectives.

They have a detailed understanding of the fundamental British values and how they relate to everyone. All pupils benefit from a coherent plan of exciting enrichment activities that complement their learning. The school ensures that pupils who are disadvantaged fully benefit from these experiences.

The school has a laser sharp focus on providing an excellent education. This is successfully realised. Leaders at all levels balance the promotion of pupils' academic and personal development.

Everyone shares the relentless vision that every child will achieve highly. The school's spotlight on supporting pupils who are disadvantaged is exemplary. Staff appreciate the highly effective professional development and pastoral support, which enables them to focus on pupils' needs.

Parents are exceedingly positive about the school and its provision. One parent's comment, reflective of many, described the school as 'as warm community that puts the child at the heart of what they do'.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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