St Joseph’s Roman Catholic Voluntary Aided Primary School in Highfield has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on 14 September 2023. The school fosters a positive environment where pupils are confident, kind, and welcoming. They enjoy attending school and feel happy and safe within the community. The leadership team, staff, and governors have a strong understanding of their school community, which contributes to the overall well-being of the pupils.
The curriculum at St Joseph’s is ambitious and regularly reviewed to ensure it meets the needs of all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. High expectations for learning are shared among staff and governors, motivating pupils to take pride in their achievements. The school promotes a calm and focused atmosphere, where pupils understand behavioral expectations and engage in meaningful discussions that reflect empathy and understanding.
Pupils are encouraged to take on responsibilities, such as being part of the school council or acting as buddies for new students. They also participate in various extracurricular activities, including clubs and educational visits that enhance their learning experiences. Parents express positive sentiments about the school, appreciating the attention and care that staff provide to their children.
The school excels in its ambitious curriculum, particularly in reading and mathematics. Pupils receive effective phonics instruction, which builds their confidence in reading. The mathematics curriculum is well-structured, allowing pupils to develop their skills progressively. Staff receive ongoing training to ensure they are equipped to support all pupils effectively. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in subjects like geography, where the curriculum planning does not fully address the progression of skills in mixed-age classes.
The school has identified pupils with special educational needs promptly and provides dedicated support to ensure they achieve their potential. The relationships between staff and pupils are characterized by care and thoughtfulness, contributing to a supportive learning environment. Pupils demonstrate politeness and courtesy, and they engage in discussions about important topics such as healthy lifestyle choices and community safety.
While the school has many strengths, it recognizes the need to enhance its curriculum planning to better reflect the progression of skills and understanding in mixed-age classes. Additionally, the assessment strategies to monitor pupil knowledge and retention require further embedding to ensure that all pupils are building their knowledge effectively over time.
The school prioritizes the well-being of both staff and pupils, maintaining manageable workloads and fostering a positive working environment. Safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring that pupils are protected and supported. The inspection concluded that St Joseph’s Roman Catholic Voluntary Aided Primary School continues to be a good school, with a strong foundation for further development and improvement in specific areas. The commitment to providing a high-quality education and nurturing environment is evident, and the school is well-positioned to build on its successes in the future.
