St Mary’s and St Joseph’s Roman Catholic Primary School in Blackburn has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on 12 and 13 October 2022. The school fosters a positive environment where pupils are happy and eager to learn. They arrive each day with enthusiasm, supported by strong relationships with staff who ensure that pupils feel safe and valued. The school has a low incidence of bullying, and when issues arise, staff address them promptly and effectively.
The leadership team maintains high expectations for all students, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. This commitment is reflected in the pupils' behavior and their positive attitudes towards learning, which contribute to their overall success. The school promotes a culture of respect and inclusivity, encouraging pupils to celebrate diversity and treat one another equally. The SPIRIT values—skills for life, participation, innovation, roles and responsibilities, independence, and taking risks—are integral to the school’s ethos and are embraced by the pupils.
The curriculum at St Mary’s and St Joseph’s is broad and ambitious, designed to meet the needs of all learners. Leaders have carefully structured the curriculum to enhance language and vocabulary development across subjects. They have identified essential knowledge for pupils to acquire from Reception to Year 6. The school is proactive in identifying additional needs among pupils, ensuring that those with SEND receive appropriate support to access the same curriculum as their peers. Innovative teaching methods, such as the use of four-dimensional facilities, enhance learning experiences.
Teachers demonstrate a strong understanding of their subjects and actively address any gaps in pupils' knowledge. They employ consistent strategies to reinforce previously taught material, aiding retention and understanding. However, in a few subjects, some teachers need further development in assessment strategies to ensure that all pupils are learning effectively. This gap can occasionally hinder the depth of knowledge pupils build over time.
Reading is a priority at the school, with initiatives in place from early years through to Year 6. Pupils express excitement about reading and participate in events that foster a love for literature, such as author visits. The phonics curriculum is implemented from the start of Reception, allowing pupils to develop their reading skills systematically. Those who struggle receive additional support, enabling most to become confident readers.
Pupils exhibit good behavior both in lessons and during playtime. Older students take on leadership roles, helping younger peers engage in games and fostering a supportive community. The school also emphasizes learning beyond academics, offering various clubs and extracurricular activities that promote healthy lifestyles and community involvement. Pupils participate in charitable initiatives and projects that encourage them to become responsible citizens.
The school is well-managed, with leaders and governors demonstrating ambition for the pupils. Staff feel supported and take pride in their work. Safeguarding measures are effective, with a strong culture of safety embedded within the school. Leaders ensure that staff are trained to recognize and respond to potential risks, and pupils are educated on how to keep themselves safe.
While the school excels in many areas, there is a need for improvement in the assessment strategies used in certain subjects. Leaders are encouraged to ensure that teachers effectively utilize these strategies to enhance pupil learning and knowledge retention. Overall, St Mary’s and St Joseph’s Roman Catholic Primary School continues to provide a nurturing and effective educational environment for its pupils.
