St Joseph’s CofE Junior School in Chichester has undergone significant improvements since its previous inspection, achieving a Good rating across all areas including overall effectiveness, quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management. The school is characterized by its inclusive and nurturing environment, underpinned by a strong Christian ethos. The guiding principle of Love one another as I have loved you fosters a culture where every pupil is valued and celebrated.
Pupils at St Joseph’s benefit from a diverse range of personal development opportunities, with many expressing enthusiasm for the various trips and visits organized by school leaders. A notable highlight for Year 6 pupils was a recent visit to Fort Nelson, which enriched their learning experience. The leadership team has established high expectations for both behaviour and academic achievement, introducing new curriculums designed to help all pupils reach their full potential. As a result, most pupils now exhibit positive attitudes towards learning.
The school has implemented clear behaviour management strategies, leading to a calm atmosphere in classrooms and around the school. Pupils are aware of the school rules, which emphasize being ready, respectful, and safe. They recognize that staff are there to support them academically and emotionally, and parents, especially those of children with special educational needs, report feeling well-supported by the school.
The appointment of the current headteacher in September 2019 marked a turning point for the school. The headteacher quickly identified areas needing improvement, including staff morale, pupil behaviour, and curriculum development. A structured approach to behaviour management has led to significant improvements, particularly for a small number of pupils who previously struggled with expectations. Leaders have worked diligently to understand and address the underlying causes of these challenges, resulting in long-term positive changes.
Reading has been prioritized within the school, with leaders recognizing that many pupils were not reading widely or with enjoyment. The school has since elevated the profile of reading, encouraging staff to share their favorite books and authors with pupils, which has positively influenced pupils' reading attitudes and habits. A structured reading curriculum supports pupils in developing their reading and comprehension skills, particularly as many pupils are arriving at the school at an earlier stage of learning to read.
While the curriculum in some subjects is well-developed, there are areas where clarity is lacking regarding what pupils should learn at each stage. This inconsistency can hinder effective lesson planning and assessment of pupil progress. Senior leaders are aware of these weaknesses and are actively supporting subject leaders and teachers through professional development initiatives.
The school has recently adopted a new curriculum for personal, social, and health education, focusing on mental health and well-being. This curriculum, along with a program that teaches essential social skills, aims to equip pupils with the tools they need to thrive both now and in the future.
Safeguarding arrangements at St Joseph’s are effective, with a strong culture of safeguarding embedded within the school. Staff are trained to identify risks and ensure that pupils receive the necessary support. Leaders maintain a non-judgmental approach when working with families, prioritizing the well-being of children.
In summary, St Joseph’s CofE Junior School has made commendable progress since its last inspection, demonstrating a commitment to fostering a supportive and effective learning environment. The leadership team is focused on continuous improvement, ensuring that all pupils receive a high-quality education that enables them to achieve their potential.
