St Joseph's Catholic Primary School in Bromley, Kent, has been recognized as a good school following its recent inspection. The school fosters a positive ethos where pupils exhibit thoughtful and kind attitudes, reflecting the values of treating others as they wish to be treated. Pupils feel safe and happy, knowing they can approach trusted adults with any concerns. The school effectively addresses rare instances of bullying, ensuring that pupils behave well and contribute to a supportive environment.
Leaders and staff maintain high expectations for all pupils, encouraging them to be gentle, fair, and committed to their learning. The curriculum is ambitious, allowing pupils to excel in various subjects, particularly in English and mathematics. Pupils often express a sense of community, collaborating with one another both in and out of lessons. They engage with the local community, such as Year 5 pupils visiting a local pre-school to read and play with younger children.
The school emphasizes the development of leadership skills among pupils, who take on roles such as play leaders, school council representatives, and house captains. These roles provide them with firsthand experience of democracy, as their peers vote for them. The curriculum is well-structured, with clear end goals for pupils across subjects. Leaders monitor pupil progress and adjust the curriculum delivery based on assessment information, ensuring that pupils are well-supported in their learning journey.
Teaching practices in subjects like English and mathematics are designed to build on prior knowledge, enabling pupils to acquire secure and detailed understanding over time. For instance, pupils in Reception develop a strong grasp of numbers, which is built upon as they progress through the school. However, there are instances where teachers may present too much new information at once, which can hinder pupils' ability to retain what they learn.
While teachers generally ensure that pupils understand subject-specific vocabulary, there are inconsistencies in some subjects. For example, in geography, pupils struggled to differentiate between key terms, which affected their readiness for subsequent lessons. Nevertheless, pupils actively participate in discussions, articulating their views and listening to others, with minimal disruptions to learning.
Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities receive effective support, with teachers and additional adults guided by leaders to meet their needs appropriately. The school prioritizes teaching reading, starting with phonics in Reception. Staff are trained in the phonics program, helping pupils build reading fluency and accuracy. Regular assessments identify pupils who may need extra support, allowing them to catch up quickly.
The school promotes mental health and emotional well-being through various activities aimed at enhancing self-esteem and communication skills. Enrichment activities, including educational visits and themed days, are well-received, and there is a high participation rate in after-school clubs. Staff appreciate the open-door policy of leaders, making it easy to seek support regarding workload.
The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with leaders and staff working collaboratively to ensure pupil safety. They are trained to recognize signs of potential risks and make timely referrals to external agencies when necessary. New staff undergo safeguarding induction before starting work, and pupils are educated on safety at home, school, and online.
To improve, the school should focus on refining the delivery of the curriculum by helping teachers identify essential content for pupils to master. Additionally, ensuring that pupils fully understand subject-specific vocabulary before progressing to new learning will enhance their comprehension and retention of knowledge. Overall, St Joseph's Catholic Primary School continues to provide a supportive and effective learning environment for its pupils.
