St Joseph's Catholic Primary School in Malmesbury has been rated as good in its recent inspection conducted on March 7 and 8, 2023. The school provides a positive environment where pupils enjoy their learning experiences. They find lessons engaging and feel safe to make mistakes, which fosters a culture of growth and improvement. The relationships between staff and pupils are characterized by warmth and care, contributing to a supportive atmosphere. Staff maintain high expectations for pupil behavior, and pupils strive to meet these standards. The school has effective measures in place to address any bullying incidents, ensuring that pupils feel secure and supported.
The school promotes inclusivity, teaching pupils about various religions and encouraging acceptance of diverse beliefs. This is reflected in the pupils' attitudes, as they celebrate diversity and express the importance of differences in making the world more interesting. Parents appreciate the variety of activities available to pupils, including leadership roles for Year 6 students, which help them develop responsibility and teamwork skills.
Recent changes in leadership have led to significant improvements in the school. The new leadership team has ambitious goals for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. They have focused on enhancing the quality of education by designing a curriculum that meets the needs of all learners. Staff feel supported by the leadership team, which has helped them manage their workload effectively. However, some parents have expressed concerns regarding the recent changes in leadership.
Teachers are committed to revisiting prior knowledge in their lessons, which aids pupils in understanding and retaining subject-specific information. For instance, in history, pupils can discuss significant local events. However, there is room for improvement in helping pupils make connections between new and existing knowledge, as this would deepen their understanding further.
Assessment practices are effective, with teachers identifying misconceptions and providing necessary support to prevent repeated mistakes. The school places a strong emphasis on reading, with pupils recognizing its importance in their learning. The implementation of a new phonics scheme has been beneficial, enabling pupils to develop their reading skills with increasing accuracy and fluency.
Teachers are knowledgeable about supporting pupils with special educational needs, ensuring that they can access the full curriculum. The school has established strong relationships that help pupils manage their behavior, contributing to a positive learning environment. Pupils take ownership of their work and demonstrate perseverance, even when faced with challenges.
The school prepares pupils for their future by teaching them about mental and physical health from an early age. The curriculum supports spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development, with opportunities for reflection on faith and spirituality. While governors meet their statutory duties, there is a need for them to work more strategically to enhance their understanding of the school's strengths and weaknesses.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, with a culture of safety promoted among pupils. Staff are trained to recognize vulnerabilities, and there are robust processes for recruitment and managing allegations. The curriculum also educates pupils on how to stay safe, including online safety.
To improve further, the school needs to ensure that governors work collaboratively with leaders to drive the strategic direction of the school and monitor its impact effectively. Additionally, pupils should have more opportunities to deepen their knowledge and make connections in their learning across subjects. This will enhance their overall understanding and retention of information.
