St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school Since the previous inspection, academic standards have strengthened further. Whatever their starting points, pupils make good progress and reach above-average standards in reading, writing and mathematics by the end of key stage 2.

Standards and rates of progress in reading are particularly strong. The school's work to inspire an interest in books is a notable strength. Pupils have many opportunities to participate, compete and succeed in different sports.

Governance is ambitious and the headteacher is calm and effective in her role. She inspires confidence from others, leads by example and promotes the school's worthy values very well. O...ther key leaders also do a good job and have a clear understanding of the school's successes and areas for further development.

Pupils' behaviour is excellent. They look smart, attend regularly, work hard and want to succeed. Relationships between pupils and between pupils and staff are kindly and good humoured.

Older pupils readily help younger ones, and all respect the rules and live up to the school's high expectations of conduct and courtesy. Bullying of any sort is very rare. Pupils feel very safe in school.

The quality of teaching is good overall and, in places, is superb. Teachers provide clear explanations and make sure that everyone works hard. Newly appointed staff show capability and promise and, with the support of school leaders, are succeeding in their roles.

The early years provision is good, although some aspects need updating to give children a fuller range of learning opportunities. The majority of parents express very positive views about the school. They particularly value the caring ethos, the approachability of staff and the attention to considerate behaviour, welfare and academic standards.

While progress overall is good, standards in writing are not as high as those seen in reading and mathematics, especially for some of the most able pupils. Teachers' day-to-day checks on pupils' learning in class are effective overall, but are carried out with more efficiency in some classes than in others. The school's recently implemented whole-school data-tracking system is still at an early stage of development.

Currently, it does not give leaders a comprehensive overview of pupils' performance, particularly in writing.

Information about this school

St Joseph's Catholic Primary School is a bit smaller than the average-sized primary school. The proportion of pupils from minority ethnic backgrounds is below the national average.

The proportion of disadvantaged pupils at the school is below the national average. The proportion of pupils who have special educational needs and/or disabilities is below the national average. The school offers early years provision for Pre-school- and Reception-age children.

The Pre-school came under the school's governance in the summer term of 2016. In 2015, the school met the government floor standards, which set out the minimum expectations for pupils' progress and attainment in English and mathematics. The school meets requirements on the publication of specified information on its website.

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