St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Main findings

In accordance with section 13 (5) of the Education Act 2005, Her Majesty's Chief Inspector is of the opinion that the school no longer requires significant improvement. St Joseph's Catholic Primary is a good and rapidly improving school.

Under the dedicated and determined leadership of the headteacher, ably supported by her deputy headteacher and other senior staff, the school has successfully addressed the weaknesses identified by the last inspection. Subject coordinators have helped to drive the improvement that has taken place in the curriculum and teachers' use of assessment. The quality of provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage has continued to improve, so that children now make a good sta...rt to their education.

The school has reversed the trend of declining attainment in Years 3 to 6. Pupils throughout the school, including boys as well as those pupils who have special educational needs and/or disabilities, make good progress. This is because : teachers now have a clear understanding of how well their pupils are doing, and plan activities which correspond to pupils' different levels of attainment, building on what they have already learned.

Pupils' learning in mathematics and science is enhanced by a good range of practical activities in lessons. Most teachers' marking includes detailed comments which enable pupils to know how well they are doing and what they need to do to improve their work. Occasionally, teachers do not check pupils' learning sufficiently during the course of lessons or give them enough opportunities to assess their own and each other's work.

Many parents and carers praise the school's caring, inclusive and welcoming ethos. One parent, whose comment was typical of many, said, 'St Joseph's provides a secure, caring learning environment which has nurtured a strong sense of self-assurance and a joy of learning in both our children.' Pupils' behaviour is outstanding.

Pupils are polite and welcoming towards visitors and considerate and helpful to one another. Older pupils show real care and concern for younger children when they join the Reception class, which, as many parents and carers testify, helps them to settle quickly and comfortably into school routines. Pupils from different backgrounds relate very well to one another.

They report that they feel safe around the school because, as one pupil said, 'Everyone mixes well together and teachers are friendly and help us.' They have very few concerns about bullying. Pupils show they know what constitutes a healthy lifestyle through their participation in extra-curricular sport and their choice of wholesome options at lunchtime.

They make a good contribution to the school community, for example as house captains or school council members, and to the wider community by raising money for local, national and international charities. Pupils' good achievement in English and mathematics, as well as the opportunities they have to develop group working and problem-solving skills, means they are they are well equipped for the next stage of their education and for future employment. The school has worked effectively with the local authority to monitor carefully and improve the quality of teaching.

School leaders recognize that teachers would benefit from more opportunities to observe the outstanding practice in teaching and assessment that already exists within the school. The governing body has ensured that the school now meets all statutory requirements, including the duty to promote community cohesion. The school has strengthened its links with the local community and ensures that pupils learn about what life is like in other parts of the United Kingdom as well as the wider world.

Pupils' spiritual and moral development is nurtured by the school's strong Catholic ethos. Opportunities for pupils to develop their understanding and appreciation of other faiths and traditions are more limited. Leaders have accurately evaluated the school's strengths, as well as what needs to be done for it to improve still further.

This, together with the rapid strides the school has made in improving outcomes for its pupils, shows the school's good capacity for further improvement.

Information about the school

St Joseph's is smaller than the average primary school. Children start this school in the Early Years Foundation Stage Reception class.

Pupils are from a wide range of ethnic backgrounds, with the largest group being those of White British heritage. The proportion of pupils who are learning English as an additional language is smaller than that found nationally. The proportion of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities is below the national average.

These cover a range of additional needs. The proportion of pupils known to be eligible for free school meals is below average. At its last inspection, in July 2009, the school was given a notice to improve since it was performing significantly less well than in all the circumstances it could reasonably be expected to perform.