St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School in Greenwich, London, has been rated as good in its recent inspection conducted on April 18 and 19, 2023. The school demonstrates a strong commitment to providing a high-quality education for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Leaders and staff maintain high expectations for student achievement and foster a supportive environment where pupils feel valued and safe. The curriculum is designed to help pupils learn and retain knowledge effectively across most subjects, contributing to their overall development.
Pupils express a sense of belonging within the school community, often referring to it as the ‘St Joseph’s family.’ They report feeling happy and secure, trusting the adults in the school to address any concerns they may have. The relationships between staff and pupils are characterized by warmth and care, which significantly enhances the school atmosphere. Behaviour among pupils is generally calm and respectful, although there are instances where expectations for focus and engagement are not consistently upheld by all staff members.
The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities that cater to diverse interests, including art, film, and sports. These activities are designed to enrich the curriculum and provide pupils with valuable experiences beyond the classroom. Educational trips, including residential experiences for older students, further broaden their horizons and understanding of the world.
The curriculum is ambitious and well-structured, beginning in the early years. It is carefully sequenced to ensure that key knowledge, skills, and vocabulary are clearly identified and taught. Teachers possess strong subject knowledge and employ effective strategies to facilitate learning. However, there are occasions when the chosen activities and resources do not adequately support long-term retention of knowledge, particularly in subjects like design and technology.
Staff are proactive in identifying pupils who may require additional support, ensuring that those with SEND receive the same curriculum as their peers. Training is provided to help staff adapt their teaching to meet individual needs, and collaboration with external agencies is utilized to enhance support for pupils.
Reading is a priority at St Joseph’s, with staff trained to deliver a structured phonics program. Most staff demonstrate confidence in teaching early reading, although some require further training to ensure consistent implementation. Pupils engage in reading activities that align with their phonics knowledge, and additional support is available for those who struggle.
In the early years, leaders have established clear routines to prepare children for their transition to Year 1. While systems are in place, there are instances where staff miss opportunities to enhance children's language development and understanding of key concepts.
The school places a strong emphasis on personal development, providing pupils with numerous opportunities to take on responsibilities, such as participating in the school parliament or serving as anti-bullying ambassadors. Pupils learn about maintaining physical and mental health and respecting diversity.
Leaders and governors have a clear vision for the school’s future and work collaboratively to achieve it. Staff benefit from professional development opportunities and feel supported in their roles. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with staff trained to identify and respond to potential risks to pupils.
While the school has many strengths, there are areas for improvement. Leaders need to ensure that all staff consistently implement behaviour and learning policies to uphold high expectations. Additionally, support is needed to enhance the delivery of the curriculum across all subjects, ensuring that pupils can retain and build upon their knowledge effectively.
