St Joseph the Worker RC Primary School in Irlam, Salford, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on 21 and 22 June 2022. The school provides a positive environment where pupils feel happy, valued, and safe. Parents and carers express trust in the staff's ability to protect their children from harm, and pupils are aware that they can approach adults with any concerns. The leadership and teaching staff maintain high expectations for all pupils, encouraging them to work hard and achieve well. This positive atmosphere fosters pride in their work, and pupils actively engage in lessons, demonstrating keen listening skills and a willingness to collaborate with peers.
The school promotes a culture of kindness, care, and respect among pupils. When instances of bullying arise, staff address them promptly to prevent recurrence. Pupils are given numerous opportunities to take on responsibilities, such as serving as digital champions or members of the school council, which allows them to contribute meaningfully to the school community. They take pride in the school's role within the local community and enjoy learning about its rich culture and history, fostering a strong sense of belonging.
The curriculum at St Joseph the Worker is well-structured, developed collaboratively by leaders, governors, and staff. It is designed to be ambitious for all pupils, including those who are disadvantaged or have special educational needs. In the early years, staff ensure that children settle quickly and develop essential skills and routines for future learning. The learning environment is rich in opportunities for children to enhance their language and mathematical skills alongside other areas of learning.
Teachers effectively link lessons to build on prior knowledge, enabling pupils to progress through the curriculum. Most subjects see pupils achieving well, with teachers adept at identifying the needs of pupils with special educational needs and implementing effective strategies to support their learning. However, there are areas where pupils struggle to recall knowledge from earlier years, indicating a need for more systematic revisiting of previous learning in certain subjects.
Reading is a central focus at the school, with staff and pupils celebrating and enjoying literature in various ways. The school boasts a wide range of books across its libraries, encouraging pupils to explore new and exciting reading materials. The phonics and early reading curriculum is effective, with children showing enthusiasm and confidence in their learning from the start of Reception. Teachers are well-trained in early reading, ensuring that pupils who fall behind receive timely support to catch up.
Staff feel supported and valued by school leaders, who have implemented strategies to manage workload effectively, especially during the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Behaviour across the school is commendable, with pupils encouraged to develop a mature understanding of their roles in society. They learn about diverse cultures, religions, and lifestyles, preparing them well for the next stages of their education.
The school's safeguarding arrangements are robust, with a strong culture of safety. Staff are well-trained to identify and address potential risks to pupils, ensuring their well-being. Overall, while the school excels in many areas, there is a need for improvement in helping pupils retain knowledge over time, particularly by revisiting previous learning systematically.
