St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School in Rawmarsh, Rotherham, has been rated as good in its recent inspection conducted on 27 and 28 February 2024. The school is characterized by a nurturing and friendly environment where pupils feel happy and proud to belong. The staff actively encourage students to aspire to various career paths, providing them with insights into different opportunities. The school offers a broad range of extracurricular activities, ensuring that pupils have access to experiences beyond the classroom, such as theatre visits and trips to the zoo. The pastoral support extends not only to the pupils but also to their families, fostering a strong community spirit.
Pupils exhibit good behavior, showing respect and politeness towards one another. They engage in collaborative play, which helps them develop new skills and understand concepts of respect and acceptance. The school promotes inclusivity, preparing pupils well for life in modern Britain. By the time they transition to secondary education, students are well-equipped for the next stage of their academic journey. Leadership roles within the school, such as reading ambassadors and school councillors, are embraced by pupils, allowing them to cultivate essential leadership skills.
The curriculum at St Joseph’s is ambitious, particularly in core subjects like English and mathematics. Leaders have clearly defined what pupils should learn and when, and teachers effectively use subject-specific language to enhance vocabulary and understanding. Regular assessments help identify and address learning gaps, contributing to the overall achievement of pupils. However, in the wider curriculum, there are areas for improvement. While subject leaders have outlined how knowledge should build over time, the learning tasks selected by teachers do not always align with the most critical subject knowledge, limiting depth of understanding.
In the early years, children in Reception benefit from a well-structured curriculum that emphasizes vocabulary development. High expectations and strong routines foster independence among young learners. The support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities is a notable strength, with robust systems in place to identify and meet individual needs. Teachers provide tailored support, enabling these pupils to achieve well.
Reading is prioritized, with phonics instruction beginning in the first week of Reception. This structured approach allows pupils to learn to read quickly, and additional support ensures that those who need it can catch up effectively. Pupils express enthusiasm for reading and enjoy discussing their favorite books and authors.
The school maintains high expectations for attendance and works closely with families to address any barriers that may affect pupil attendance. This proactive approach has positively impacted overall attendance rates. Despite some staffing challenges in recent years, there is a shared ambition among staff to provide a high-quality education. The governing body plays an active role in supporting the school, and staff feel valued and respected.
While the school has many strengths, there are areas for improvement. Some lessons do not consistently align activities with curriculum aims, which can hinder the learning of intended content. Additionally, the monitoring of new curriculum areas needs further development to enhance the overall effectiveness of the curriculum. By addressing these areas, St Joseph’s can continue to build on its successes and provide an even better educational experience for its pupils.
