St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School in Reddish has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on February 2 and 3, 2023. The school fosters a supportive environment where pupils feel valued and safe. Students appreciate the initiatives in place, such as the buddy bench, which encourages them to care for one another. They have access to trusted adults for discussing any concerns, and instances of bullying are addressed promptly by school leaders, contributing to a positive atmosphere.
Pupils take pride in their contributions to the school community through various leadership roles, including health champions and digital leaders. They embrace these responsibilities and show a strong commitment to supporting their peers. The curriculum has been enhanced to ensure that all pupils, including those in early years, receive a high-quality education that meets the high expectations set by school leaders. Most students exhibit exceptional behavior, aligning with the school's standards.
The school places significant emphasis on the broader development of pupils, offering opportunities such as public speaking competitions and creating pupil passports that suggest age-appropriate activities outside of school. These initiatives are well-received, and pupils enjoy the challenges presented to them.
Leaders are ambitious for all students, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. They have ensured that the curriculum is broad and ambitious, with careful consideration given to how early years children acquire essential knowledge and skills for future learning. Training for subject leaders has been prioritized to enhance their understanding of the curriculum, allowing for a secure progression of learning over time. However, in a few subjects, the curriculum leaders have not yet clearly defined the essential knowledge that pupils need to learn, which can hinder effective teaching.
Teachers at St Joseph’s are well-equipped to design engaging lesson activities and possess strong subject knowledge. They monitor pupils' learning closely and address any misconceptions quickly, which supports high achievement. The school has effective systems in place to identify pupils with special educational needs, ensuring they receive the necessary support to access the ambitious curriculum alongside their peers.
Reading is a key focus, with leaders ensuring that staff are trained in effective phonics instruction. Children begin learning phonics in Reception, and teachers provide books that align with the sounds pupils know. Regular reading practice helps develop their decoding and comprehension skills, and prompt interventions are in place for those who may fall behind.
The school promotes a love of reading by dedicating time each day to read for pleasure, exposing pupils to a variety of literature. A list of 100 recommended books encourages students to explore different genres, and they earn badges for completing these readings, which they wear with pride.
The school environment is calm and purposeful, with pupils responding well to their teachers. Leaders have implemented a comprehensive personal development program that prepares students for life in modern Britain, covering topics such as mental health and the importance of understanding protected characteristics.
Staff express pride in their work at the school, appreciating the support for their well-being from leaders. Governors are actively involved and well-informed about school operations, focusing on refining the quality of education provided.
The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with a strong culture established to protect vulnerable pupils. Leaders have systems in place to identify at-risk students and provide necessary support, including access to a school counselor. Pupils learn about safety through the curriculum, including online safety and healthy relationships.
Overall, St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School continues to provide a good education, with leaders committed to further enhancing the quality of learning and development for all pupils.
