St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Key findings

This is a good school. It is not yet outstanding because, although pupils' achievement has markedly improved since the last inspection, pupils' progress in mathematics is not as strong as in English. Pupils' attainment on entry is broadly in line with age-related expectations.

Attainment has risen steadily so that in 2011 standards reached by pupils in Year 6 were significantly above the national average in English and above the national average in mathematics. Teaching is good overall, although stronger in English than in mathematics. In English there is a clear emphasis on reading and writing.

These skills are developed further across the curriculum enabling pupils to make good progress in l...iteracy. However, in mathematics more-able pupils are not always sufficiently challenged and those with gaps in their learning are not consistently identified and supported early enough. There are fewer planned opportunities for pupils to practise their mathematical skills in other subjects.

Behaviour and safety are good. Pupils have good attitudes towards their learning and concentrate well in lessons. They behave well in the playground and feel safe and secure.

Attendance has risen since the last inspection and is now above the national average. Leadership and management are good. Senior leaders and managers have an accurate picture of the school's strengths and areas for development.

The quality of improvement planning is excellent. The management of teaching, including the management of performance, is good overall. However, while monitoring by both senior and middle managers is developmental, there is not enough focus on learning for different groups of pupils.

There are good relationships with parents and carers, most of whom speak highly of the school. However, opportunities are sometimes missed to engage them in helping their children to learn.

Information about the school

St Joseph's Catholic Primary is an average-sized primary school.

The majority of pupils are from White British or other White backgrounds, with the remainder from other cultures, the largest being of Asian origin. The proportion of disabled pupils and those with special educational needs is lower than the national average, as is the proportion supported at school action plus or with a statement of special educational needs. The percentage of pupils who speak English as an additional language is significantly higher than the national average.

The proportion of pupils known to be eligible for free school meals is lower than the national average. The school meets the government's current floor standards, which set the minimum expectations for pupils' attainment and progress. It has gained the Sing Up Platinum award and the Bike It bronze award.