St John the Baptist Catholic Primary School in Normanton, West Yorkshire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on November 28 and 29, 2023. The school fosters a strong sense of community where pupils feel happy and safe. Staff maintain high expectations for both behavior and academic achievement, cultivating positive relationships with students. During social times, pupils engage well with one another, embodying the values of mutual respect and kindness instilled by the school. They take pride in their charitable efforts and community contributions, such as litter picking.
The curriculum at St John the Baptist is broad and ambitious, catering for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. The school emphasizes the establishment of routines and expectations from the early years, which helps children develop a desire to succeed that persists throughout their education. Families express strong support for the school, particularly praising the assistance provided to vulnerable children and those with special educational needs.
The school collaborates closely with the trust, which offers effective training and support for staff, particularly in curriculum development. Pupils demonstrate a love for reading, with most learning to read quickly due to the effective strategies employed by staff. Daily reading sessions and opportunities for pupils to practice reading aloud contribute to their confidence and fluency. The curriculum for foundation subjects is well-structured, although some areas require further refinement to clarify learning objectives and ensure that staff can effectively assess pupils' retention of key knowledge.
Support for pupils with special educational needs is exemplary, with clear strategies in place for identifying their needs and providing appropriate interventions. The school works closely with external agencies and families to ensure that these pupils receive the necessary support. In the early years, the curriculum is generally strong, though some aspects need refinement to enhance clarity in the learning journey. Staff receive ongoing training to maximize the educational value of activities, helping children acquire new knowledge and vocabulary.
The personal, social, and health education curriculum is thoughtfully designed, with pupils recalling certain topics in depth. However, there is a need for improvement in their understanding of other religions, which the school has recognized and is addressing through curriculum redesign. Enriching activities, including educational visits, enhance the learning experience, allowing pupils to connect classroom learning with real-world experiences.
The school prioritizes staff development, with the trust facilitating collaborative opportunities that strengthen subject leadership. Staff report manageable workloads and express pride in their association with the school. Governors effectively fulfill their duties, providing both challenge and support to school leaders to drive continuous improvement.
Safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. The school is aware of areas needing improvement, particularly in refining the curriculum to ensure clarity and detail across all subjects. This ongoing commitment to enhancement reflects the school's dedication to providing a high-quality education for its pupils. The inspection confirmed that St John the Baptist Catholic Primary School continues to be a good school, with a strong foundation for future growth and success.
