St Joseph’s Roman Catholic Primary School in Ramsbottom, Bury, Lancashire, was inspected on 14 and 15 November 2023. The school has been rated as good across all areas, including overall effectiveness, quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. This inspection marks the first routine evaluation since the school was last graded as outstanding 15 years ago. The long gap between inspections was due to the school being exempt from routine inspections until November 2020.
The school community, including pupils, parents, and carers, expressed high levels of satisfaction with the school environment. Pupils described staff as kind and supportive, highlighting that they feel happy and safe. They were eager to share their learning experiences and spoke enthusiastically about various trips and activities that enhance their curriculum understanding and broaden their worldviews. The school encourages pupils to engage actively with their local community, participating in initiatives such as singing for elderly residents and fundraising for charities. Pupils also advocate for equality, with pupil ambassadors collaborating with local groups to improve community welfare.
Behaviour in the school is commendable, with pupils demonstrating courtesy and respect during lessons and throughout the school. The leadership team maintains high expectations for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Tailored support is provided from the early years, ensuring that individual needs are met effectively, which contributes to the overall achievement of pupils.
The curriculum at St Joseph’s is described as interesting and ambitious, allowing pupils to learn effectively from the Nursery Year onwards. In most subjects, teachers are clear about the essential knowledge pupils need to acquire. However, in a few subjects, there is less clarity regarding the knowledge required for future learning, which can occasionally hinder some pupils' progress. Staff are generally well-equipped to deliver the curriculum, enabling pupils to build on their existing knowledge and deepen their understanding across various subjects.
Reading is a particular strength of the school, with staff adept at helping pupils develop fluency and accuracy. Pupils enjoy reading and are exposed to high-quality texts that engage their interests and support their learning. The early years curriculum effectively prepares children for phonics, ensuring that by the end of key stage one, most pupils have developed secure reading skills. Those who struggle with reading receive targeted support to help them catch up.
Pupils exhibit positive attitudes towards school, reflected in their high attendance rates and diligent focus during lessons. The school provides numerous opportunities for wider development, teaching pupils the importance of well-being and kindness. These attributes prepare them to contribute positively to society in the future.
Strong relationships between parents and the school have been established, with parents feeling well-equipped to support their children's learning. The governing body is committed to ensuring that pupils receive the necessary support for success. Leaders are mindful of staff workload when implementing curriculum changes, providing effective support for teachers.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. The inspection concluded that while the school is performing well, there are areas for improvement, particularly in ensuring that all teachers are clear about the essential knowledge pupils need in certain subjects. Overall, St Joseph’s Roman Catholic Primary School demonstrates a commitment to providing a high-quality education and fostering a supportive community for its pupils.
