St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, Aylesham

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Main findings

St Joseph's is a happy, fully inclusive school in which pupils behave well and work enthusiastically because they are well taught and lessons are interesting. A group of pupils said they enjoyed school, adding, 'We especially like the teachers because they help you in all sorts of learning.' As a result of careful monitoring of the progress made by each pupil and a well planned curriculum, pupils make good progress in their time in the school.

The school has a strong Catholic family ethos which parents and carers value; it provides a good quality of education. Each year group in the mixed-age classes is small. As many as half the pupils in each year group have special educational needs and/or disabili...ties.

The changing characteristics of each year group leads to fluctuating results at the end of Year 6, and the attainment of those presently in Year 6 is broadly average. The school's own careful monitoring of pupils' progress indicates that all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities and the more-able, make good progress. The Basic Skills Quality Mark recognises the good quality of the assessment systems.

The provision for the youngest children is satisfactory overall. The use of the new outdoor learning area is still developing and staff are beginning to improve their skills in encouraging children to explain their ideas and improve their creative and numeracy skills. Teaching is good for pupils in Key Stages 1 and 2 and is monitored well.

The tasks planned for pupils in lessons provide good challenge and clear targets are set to help them identify what they need to learn next. Pupils behave well in their lessons and around the school. They show respect for adults and concern for each other.

The school meets safeguarding requirements well and the good care, guidance and support provided by the school is extended by prudent use of a range of external services. Pupils have a good understanding of how to keep themselves safe and healthy, and how to use the internet safely. They make a good contribution to their local village community and show dignity and pride in the many duties they undertake in school.

The curriculum is adapted well for the needs of pupils and provides a broad and exciting range of experiences. Pupils thoroughly enjoy the exciting dimensions to their lessons, such as the pirate theme in Years 1 and 2, which make learning fun for boys and girls and contribute to the good progress they make. Extra-curricular visits and visitors extend learning well beyond the classroom.

The focus on developing pupils' extended writing skills in interesting ways in Key Stage 2 is leading to improved progress in English. Links between subjects are developing well to provide pupils with more opportunities in a variety of settings to use their skills in English, as well as mathematics and science. The headteacher provides good leadership which unites staff in their ambition to help pupils of all abilities make the best progress they can.

The challenges posed by small year groups and much higher than average levels of special educational needs are well managed by senior leaders and managers. Monitoring of progress and the effectiveness of new initiatives is thorough and effective. Governance is satisfactory: the governing body is very supportive of the school and governors are now taking effective steps to improve their level of challenge and their involvement in strategic planning.

The accurate

Information about the school

St Joseph's is much smaller than the average size school and serves its village community and immediate area. Almost all pupils are of White British heritage with none who speak English as an a additional language. A higher than average proportion of pupils is eligible for free school meals.

The proportion of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities and those with a statement of special educational needs is much higher than that found nationally. Pupils are taught in four mixed-age classes. Two of the four class teachers are new this term.

A new Early Years Foundation Stage classroom and outdoor learning area have recently been added to the school. The school holds a number of awards including Basic Skills Quality Mark and Healthy Schools status. The Kaleidoscope Nursery and After School Club shares the school site, but is not managed by the governing body.

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