Ofsted conducted a short inspection of St Joseph’s School, a Catholic Voluntary Academy, on 12 July 2019, following its previous good rating in June 2015. The inspection confirmed that the school continues to provide a good quality of education. The leadership team has effectively maintained this standard, fostering a collaborative environment where pupils, teachers, and staff engage in a positive learning experience. Feedback from parents, staff, and pupils reflects a strong appreciation for the school’s caring values and community spirit.
The school has addressed previous inspection recommendations, with detailed improvement plans that outline how success will be measured. Regular monitoring of pupil progress is conducted, and necessary actions are taken to support those not meeting expectations. Mathematics lessons provide ample opportunities for reasoning and problem-solving, and teachers offer constructive feedback to help pupils improve their work. High expectations are evident across all classrooms, with pupils producing work of a high standard. Teaching assistants play a vital role in supporting pupils who need additional help, and school leaders have a clear understanding of the school’s strengths and areas for development.
During the inspection, pupils demonstrated enthusiasm for their learning, presenting their work neatly and taking pride in their school. The school has made significant strides in improving reading, which was previously below average. Initiatives such as reciprocal reading and English mastery sessions have been implemented to enhance pupils' reading and writing skills. The school’s focus on literacy is evident across various subjects, and current pupils are making good progress in these areas.
Despite previous challenges, the school has successfully ensured that disadvantaged pupils now make progress comparable to their peers with similar starting points. This has been achieved through close monitoring and targeted support. Safeguarding measures are robust, with a strong culture of safety and regular training for staff and governors. Pupils report feeling safe and supported, with effective measures in place to address any concerns, including bullying.
The inspection findings highlighted the need for continued improvement in reading and writing across all year groups. Leaders are encouraged to maintain the momentum of progress in these areas to ensure that pupils’ outcomes align with national averages. Additionally, ongoing efforts are required to support the progress of disadvantaged pupils, ensuring they achieve outcomes that match their peers nationally.
The school has implemented various strategies to improve attendance, including home visits and rewards for good attendance. These efforts have resulted in improved attendance rates and a significant reduction in persistent absence. The inspection concluded that while the school has made commendable progress, there remains work to be done to further enhance the educational experience and outcomes for all pupils. The leadership team is committed to addressing these challenges and continuing to foster a supportive and effective learning environment.
