St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, located in Barking, Essex, has recently undergone an ungraded inspection on 20 and 21 March 2024. The overall judgement remains good, with indications that a graded inspection could potentially yield an outstanding rating. The headteacher, Rowena Lumber, leads the school, which is part of The Good Shepherd Catholic Trust, overseen by a board of trustees chaired by John Anthony. The chief accounting officer, Michael Corcoran, also serves as an executive headteacher for this school and two others.
The school fosters a strong sense of community, where kindness and respect are paramount. Pupils form meaningful friendships and express happiness about their school experiences. They feel safe, knowing there are trusted adults available to support them with any concerns. The leadership team maintains high expectations for students, ensuring they are well-prepared socially, emotionally, and academically for their future endeavors. The school actively nurtures pupils' interests and ambitions, promoting a keen desire to learn from the moment they join.
Educational experiences are enriched through various opportunities, including educational visits that enhance learning in subjects like geography. For instance, trips to the seaside help pupils understand coastal areas. Events such as the whole-school Poetry Slam allow students to showcase their talents, performing confidently in front of an appreciative audience. Pupils demonstrate sensible behavior and take pride in their responsibilities, participating in initiatives like ‘Guardian Angels’ and ‘Mini Vinnies’ to support their peers and engage in charitable activities.
The school excels in delivering a well-organized curriculum, with leaders clearly identifying essential knowledge for pupils from Nursery through Year 6. Consistent routines help students recall prior learning, and teachers ensure that pupils grasp foundational concepts before progressing to more complex material. The staff possesses strong subject knowledge and effectively addresses common misconceptions.
St Joseph’s prioritizes equality of opportunity, ensuring all pupils can access the curriculum and additional opportunities. Staff are well-trained to identify and support students with special educational needs and disabilities, enabling them to achieve high standards. The school provides targeted support for those requiring extra help, ensuring no pupil falls behind.
Reading is a significant focus, with children taught phonics from an early age. The school employs a thoughtful approach to reading instruction, catering for those needing additional support in speech and language. High-quality training equips staff to enhance their phonics teaching skills, resulting in pupils developing reading fluency and confidence. The joy of reading is promoted throughout the school, with access to a diverse range of high-quality literature.
Pupils also learn about various careers related to their subjects, helping them understand the relevance of their education to future aspirations. The school offers a wide array of extracurricular activities, encouraging participation in sports and community service roles such as eco-warriors and pupil librarians.
Attendance is closely monitored, with effective processes in place to address absences. Most pupils attend regularly, and leaders actively work with families to improve attendance rates. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all students.
This inspection marks the first routine evaluation since the COVID-19 pandemic, and the school has adapted well to the challenges posed by this period. Overall, St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School demonstrates a commitment to providing a supportive and enriching educational experience for its pupils, with a strong foundation for future success.
