St Joseph’s Catholic Infants School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school. From low starting points, pupils achieve well in reading, writing and mathematics.

By the end of Year 2 in 2013, pupils reached standards that were above those of all pupils nationally. The executive headteacher and head of school provide strong leadership. They know the school well and with the effective management of teachers' performance, have ensured teaching is good.

Teachers explain things clearly and pupils learn at a good pace in a stimulating learning environment. Pupils' behaviour is good. They are very well cared for and feel safe.

They enjoy coming to school and their attendance is high. The curriculum provides a ran...ge of interesting topics for pupils to learn about and is supported by specialist teachers for art, music and Mandarin and a strong focus is given to developing pupils' skills in science. Reading is strength of the school and the focus placed by senior leaders on improving how reading is taught has ensured pupils now reach higher standards than before.

Parents and carers are very positive about the school and praise highly the work of teachers in helping their children succeed in their learning. Members of the governing body are keen to develop their skills so that they can continue to provide a high level of support and challenge to the school. It is not yet an outstanding school because: During lessons and when marking pupils' work, teachers do not consistently provide pupils with clear guidance on how well they are doing and what they need to do to improve their work.

Occasionally, the activities teachers give pupils in mathematics do not enable them to practise and apply what they have learnt sufficiently well.

Information about this school

The school has been in a federation with St Joseph's Catholic Junior School since 2012 and the executive headteacher is headteacher of both the infant and junior schools. The school is smaller than most primary schools.

The vast majority of pupils come from a minority ethnic heritage, the largest group being of pupils of Black African origin. Almost all pupils speak English as an additional language. Almost one third of all pupils are known to be eligible for the pupil premium (additional funding for pupils known to be eligible for free school meals, looked after children and pupils with a parent or carer in the armed forces), which is above the national average.

The proportion of disabled pupils and those who have special educational needs supported through school action is higher than the proportion seen nationally. The proportion of pupils supported at school action plus or with a statement of special educational needs is well above the national average. The school does not make use of any off-site alternative provision for its pupils.

Also at this postcode