St Joseph’s RC Primary School in Halliwell, Bolton, has been recognized for its overall effectiveness, which is rated as good. The inspection conducted on September 11 and 12, 2019, highlighted the positive environment within the school where pupils feel welcomed and included. The school’s vision emphasizes a community that fosters a lifelong love of learning, and this is reflected in the strong sense of belonging among staff and pupils, who refer to themselves as the St Joseph’s family. Pupils express that they feel safe and well cared for, and they enjoy their time at school, which is evident in their improved attendance.
The staff at St Joseph’s are dedicated to helping pupils achieve their best. Leaders provide ample support and opportunities for personal development, fostering confidence and resilience among students. The school promotes good behavior and encourages pupils to concentrate in lessons, with older students serving as positive role models for younger ones. When behavioral issues arise, the school addresses them effectively to ensure that learning is not disrupted. The curriculum prepares pupils well for secondary education, emphasizing the importance of making a positive impact in their local community.
Since the previous inspection, the school has made significant strides in improving the quality of education. Staff feel valued and are ambitious for their pupils, working collaboratively to enhance educational standards. Training has bolstered staff knowledge and skills, and governors play an active role in supporting and challenging school leaders. The curriculum has been revised to ensure that subjects are taught in a logical sequence, allowing pupils to build on their knowledge effectively. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in history and geography, where the sequencing of topics needs to be more coherent.
Pupils’ personal development is enriched through various activities, including sports weeks and after-school clubs. The school utilizes its outdoor environment to support learning across all subjects, including in the early years. Teachers effectively explain new concepts and support pupils in understanding their work, particularly in mathematics and science, where strong subject knowledge is evident.
In the early years, children quickly settle in and feel secure, engaging in enjoyable learning experiences. The curriculum is designed to captivate their interest, and children make good progress in communication, early reading, and mathematics. The teaching of phonics is well-structured, although there are some concerns regarding the alignment of early reading materials with phonics instruction.
The school has seen improvements in behavior, attendance, and academic achievement since the last inspection. Pupils who have been at the school for an extended period demonstrate strong progress across subjects. The school is also proactive in engaging with parents, with many expressing positive feedback about the dedication of staff. However, a small number of parents feel that communication could be improved.
The safeguarding measures in place are effective, with a strong culture of vigilance among staff. They are well-trained in safeguarding procedures and act promptly on any concerns. Pupils are educated on how to stay safe, including online safety and awareness of risks such as radicalization.
To further enhance the school’s effectiveness, leaders should focus on improving the sequencing of topics in history and geography, ensuring that early reading activities build on prior learning, and developing the leadership skills of new subject leaders. Addressing these areas will help to solidify the school’s commitment to providing a high-quality education for all its pupils.
