St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School Upton

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school Senior leaders have addressed the weaknesses in teaching and learning effectively. They have set higher expectations of staff and pupils to ensure that the school is now good.

Staff development has been at the core of school improvement. Teachers have been supported well to improve their practice. Leaders have appointed skilled teaching assistants who cater for pupils' needs well.

The headteacher has set high expectations of pupils' behaviour to ensure that the school's culture has been transformed into one of respect. This is based on the excellent relationships between staff and pupils. Senior leaders have defined the essential knowledg...e and skills in each subject effectively to ensure that there is a broad and balanced curriculum.

However, subject leaders have not designed the curriculum to offer challenge for the most able pupils to achieve the highest standards in subjects other than English and mathematics. Governors have a secure awareness of the school's strengths and weaknesses. They have ensured that the use of funding for disadvantaged pupils is tailored to pupils' needs.

Consequently, pupils' progress has improved dramatically. The personal development of pupils is outstanding. They understand well the principles of equality and have a strong understanding of British values.

Pupils' progress and attainment at the end of key stage 2 have improved to be broadly average. However, the proportion of pupils achieving the expected standard in reading, writing and mathematics combined is below that seen nationally. Teachers regularly check on pupils' learning to address any misconceptions and support them to make good progress.

Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) make good progress. However, variable support for the development of their basic skills in writing and mathematics means that some gaps remain due to previously weak teaching and learning. In the early years, leaders have been successful in maintaining a good level of provision.

However, the quality of adult interactions sometimes does not extend children's learning. Safeguarding is effective. Pupils feel that they can approach staff with any concerns.

They have excellent relationships with staff.

Information about this school

St Joseph's is larger than the average-sized primary school. Most pupils are of White British heritage.

The proportion of pupils known to be disadvantaged is lower than the national average. The proportion of pupils with SEND is broadly similar to the national average. Since the full inspection in October 2016, the headteacher has left the school.

The deputy headteacher became the acting headteacher before being appointed permanently in this role in April 2018. The acting deputy headteacher was also appointed to the substantive post of deputy in June 2018. The school has a before- and after-school club on-site that is run by a private provider and is therefore subject to a separate inspection.

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