St Joseph's Catholic Primary School in Broadstairs is a welcoming and friendly institution where the community emphasizes care and respect. The school promotes values such as belonging, enjoyment, and teamwork, which are evident in the interactions among pupils and staff. Generally, pupils exhibit good behavior, demonstrating politeness and kindness, with rare instances of bullying reported. The school environment fosters trust, allowing pupils to feel safe and supported by adults when facing challenges.
Pupils engage in various activities that broaden their understanding of the world, including sports competitions, charity fundraising, and community service. They are encouraged to take on responsibilities, such as participating in the school council and leading prayers during assemblies. The enthusiasm for learning is particularly strong in subjects like English, mathematics, and physical education. However, despite some recent improvements, the overall quality of education requires enhancement, particularly in curriculum organization and challenge.
The school has faced challenges due to the pandemic, staff absences, and changes in leadership, which have impacted educational quality. New leadership has introduced clarity and is working towards recovery, but stability in staffing is essential for effective improvements. Leaders have implemented a systematic approach to phonics teaching, ensuring that pupils learn to read from the start of their education. Staff training has been provided to support this initiative, and appropriate measures are in place for pupils needing additional help.
While there have been important changes to the curriculum, further work is needed in subjects like history, geography, and art to ensure that knowledge and skills are clearly defined and sequenced throughout the school. The end goals for pupil learning in these subjects are not always well articulated, leading to inconsistencies in teaching and learning progression. Additionally, the curriculum has not been adequately adapted for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, resulting in these pupils not achieving their full potential.
Some subject leaders lack clarity in curriculum design, and others are inexperienced, which affects their oversight of pupil learning. Leaders acknowledge the need for further training for these individuals to enhance their effectiveness. The school environment is calm, and pupils are attentive in lessons, particularly in the early years, where strong relationships between adults and children are fostered. However, there is a need for teachers to build on children's prior knowledge and ensure that activities stimulate curiosity and learning.
Pupils are encouraged to develop as respectful individuals who appreciate diversity and understand their uniqueness. They are well-prepared for life in modern Britain. Staff and governors have welcomed recent leadership changes, feeling supported and fostering a sense of camaraderie. Trust leaders recognize the necessary improvements and must ensure that targeted support and training are implemented promptly.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, with a culture of care and vigilance. Pupils feel safe and know they can rely on adults for support. Staff are trained to recognize and report safeguarding concerns, and leaders collaborate with external agencies to provide necessary support. Recruitment checks for staff are thorough, ensuring a safe environment for pupils.
Overall, while St Joseph's Catholic Primary School has strengths in its community values and pupil behavior, it requires significant improvements in curriculum development, support for pupils with special educational needs, and leadership stability to enhance the quality of education provided.
