St Joseph and St Theresa Catholic Primary School in Chasetown, Staffordshire, was inspected on 30 November and 1 December 2022. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as good, with specific areas such as behaviour and attitudes receiving an outstanding rating. The quality of education, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision were all rated as good. The school had previously been rated outstanding in its last inspection 13 years ago, reflecting a significant period of stability and continuity in its educational approach.
The school community, including pupils, staff, parents, and carers, expresses pride in being part of the institution. Leaders have fostered an environment that values each individual and provides necessary support. Staff are well-acquainted with pupils and their families, contributing to a sense of happiness and safety among students. High expectations set by leaders encourage pupils to achieve well, and their behaviour is exemplary. Pupils demonstrate respect and kindness towards one another, and any instances of bullying are addressed promptly by adults.
The school offers a variety of opportunities for pupils to engage in wider community activities, including roles in the digital leadership team and participation in events that benefit local residents. This involvement helps pupils understand the importance of their contributions to both the school and the broader community.
Leaders have developed an ambitious curriculum that caters to all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. The curriculum is well-structured, beginning in the early years, and teachers are clear about their teaching objectives. Various assessment methods are employed to gauge pupil understanding, although some subjects have been identified where teachers do not consistently provide activities that reinforce key knowledge. This has led to challenges for some pupils in recalling their learning, particularly in subjects like geography and history.
Staff training has been implemented to help identify and support pupils with special educational needs effectively. The support provided is well-planned and monitored to ensure progress. Reading is a priority, with pupils expressing enthusiasm for the books they read. Pupil reading ambassadors assist younger students in developing a love for reading. However, there are concerns regarding the phonics knowledge of a small number of staff, which affects the consistency of teaching in this area.
Pupils are actively involved in school life, with the school council encouraging them to contribute to improvements within the school. They take their responsibilities seriously and enjoy participating in various clubs and activities. The school promotes high standards of behaviour, which contributes to a conducive learning environment. Attendance is also prioritized, with support provided for pupils with low attendance to encourage regular school participation.
Staff satisfaction is high, with appreciation for the support provided by leaders, particularly regarding workload management. Governors are actively engaged in the school’s operations, receiving comprehensive information to understand the school’s effectiveness.
The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with all staff trained to identify and report concerns. Pupils are educated on safety, including online safety, and know they can seek help from adults at school.
To improve, the school needs to ensure that all teachers consistently provide activities that help pupils embed and remember key knowledge across all subjects. Additionally, further training is required for some staff to enhance their phonics teaching skills, ensuring all pupils can progress effectively in their reading development.
