St Joseph’s Roman Catholic Primary School in Darwen has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on January 9, 2020. The school is characterized by a nurturing environment that welcomes all students, with leaders demonstrating high aspirations for their pupils. Students express that staff encourage them to believe in their potential, fostering a sense of safety and happiness within the school community. The strong relationships between staff and pupils contribute to a positive atmosphere where students are motivated to work hard and enjoy collaborative learning experiences. Outdoor learning activities are particularly appreciated by the pupils, who also show respect for one another and value diversity within their school.
The school emphasizes the importance of kindness, with older pupils taking on roles to assist younger students. They engage in charitable activities, demonstrating a commitment to making a positive impact both locally and globally. Pupils are aware of environmental issues, such as reducing plastic use, and actively participate in initiatives to address these concerns.
Leadership and management at St Joseph’s are effective, with leaders continuously assessing the school’s strengths and areas for improvement. They have worked collaboratively with governors, staff, and parents to review and enhance the curriculum, ensuring it is balanced and engaging. Clear expectations are set for what pupils should learn at various stages, which aids in their ability to connect concepts and retain important information. Beyond classroom learning, pupils benefit from a variety of extracurricular clubs and activities, which enrich their educational experience.
Subject leaders receive relevant training to enhance their expertise, although additional support is needed for those new to their roles to further improve curriculum quality. The school prioritizes meeting the diverse needs of all pupils, particularly those with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they receive the necessary support to achieve their best.
Reading instruction is a focal point of the curriculum, with significant investment in quality literature that supports learning across subjects. Pupils enjoy reading and value the time spent with staff who read to them, which enhances their engagement and achievement in literacy. However, some younger pupils face challenges with reading due to a mismatch between their reading materials and the phonics they are learning, indicating an area for improvement.
Mathematics instruction is strong, with pupils demonstrating good progress from Reception through Year 6. Teachers utilize their subject knowledge to create challenging and enjoyable learning experiences. The science curriculum is well-structured, with clear learning objectives and effective assessment practices that help pupils build on their prior knowledge.
Overall, pupil behavior is commendable, with minimal disruption to learning. Safeguarding measures are robust, with leaders prioritizing the safety of all children and ensuring staff are well-trained to respond to any concerns. The school has established effective partnerships with external agencies to support child protection efforts.
To enhance its performance, the school must continue to support subject leaders in developing their expertise and ensure that reading materials for younger pupils align with their phonics instruction. This will help improve early reading skills and overall literacy outcomes. The school remains committed to fostering a positive learning environment and addressing areas for growth to maintain its good standing.
