St Joseph and St Teresa’s Catholic Primary School is located in Doncaster, South Yorkshire, and has recently undergone an inspection that highlighted its overall effectiveness as good. The school is characterized by a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, fostering an inclusive Catholic ethos that encourages all pupils to engage fully in school life. Students exhibit politeness, respect, and care for one another, contributing to a positive school environment. Pupils express enjoyment in attending school, demonstrating good behavior in class and moving sensibly around the premises. Their positive attitudes towards learning are evident as they actively participate in lessons and take pride in their work.
Safety is a priority at the school, with pupils feeling secure and reporting that bullying is rare. They are confident that any incidents of racism or discrimination will be addressed promptly by adults. The school provides various opportunities for pupils to develop leadership skills, such as through the pupil parliament, which has recently organized fundraising for a local food bank. Additionally, students participate in extracurricular activities like football and dodgeball, and they engage in educational visits that enhance their learning experiences.
The leadership team at St Joseph and St Teresa’s has high expectations for all pupils and has made significant strides in developing an ambitious curriculum that spans from early years to Year 6. The curriculum is well-planned and sequenced, focusing on the knowledge, skills, and vocabulary that pupils are expected to learn over time. While the school has made progress, leaders have identified areas for further improvement, particularly in art and computing, where staff confidence needs to be bolstered.
In the classroom, teachers present information clearly and regularly assess pupils' understanding. Activities are tailored to meet learning objectives, and pupils can articulate what they are learning and what they have previously studied. The teaching of reading is prioritized, with a structured phonics program in place that begins in early years. However, some staff need additional training to ensure they model letter sounds accurately, as this impacts pupils' ability to blend sounds effectively.
The early years provision is strong, with children demonstrating good social skills, resilience, and problem-solving abilities. Leaders have carefully considered how the curriculum prepares children for their transition to Year 1. The school is committed to supporting all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they are fully included in school life.
While the school has a range of resources to support personal development education, leaders need to establish a clearer overview of how specific elements are taught. There is a need for a more explicit approach to teaching fundamental British values and protected characteristics, as pupils currently lack a comprehensive understanding of these concepts. The governing body plays an active role in the school's strategic direction, and staff feel supported and valued by leaders.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, with appropriate checks on staff and training to identify signs of harm. Pupils are educated about online safety and understand the implications of cyberbullying. Overall, while St Joseph and St Teresa’s Catholic Primary School demonstrates many strengths, there are areas identified for improvement, particularly in phonics instruction and the explicit teaching of personal development topics. The school is well-positioned to continue its positive trajectory with the support of its dedicated leadership and staff.
