St Joseph's Catholic Primary School in Hartlepool has recently undergone an inspection, with the overall effectiveness rated as good. The school, led by headteacher Debra Hargreaves, is part of the Bishop Hogarth Catholic Education Trust. The inspection took place on 28 and 29 November 2023, marking the first routine inspection since the school became an academy in February 2021. The school has not been previously inspected under section five of the Education Act 2005.
The school fosters a sense of belonging among its pupils, who take pride in celebrating diversity. They actively engage with their heritage through initiatives like the Global Map, which showcases the diverse backgrounds of the student body. Pupils express happiness and a sense of safety within the nurturing environment of the school. High expectations for achievement are evident, particularly in the early years, where children benefit from a well-structured learning environment that promotes social interaction and knowledge acquisition. Older pupils enjoy a broad curriculum and are encouraged to read widely for pleasure.
Behaviour at the school is commendable, with pupils understanding and adhering to the established rules. Instances of poor behaviour are minimal, and pupils demonstrate a good understanding of bullying, asserting that it is not a concern within their school. The school’s character awards, rooted in trust values such as compassion, further motivate pupils to strive for academic and personal excellence.
While the curriculum has been reviewed and improved, there are areas for further development. Leaders have ambitious goals for what pupils should learn, but this vision is not yet fully realized across all subjects. There is a need for clearer identification of areas requiring improvement, as current monitoring of the curriculum lacks thoroughness. Relationships between staff and pupils are positive, and teachers possess strong subject knowledge, yet there is inconsistency in the use of assessment to gauge pupil understanding. This has led to some pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, experiencing gaps in knowledge.
The early years curriculum is ambitious, and children make good progress, particularly in outdoor learning, which supports their physical development. Phonics instruction begins early, with children showing high levels of concentration during lessons. The school has implemented a comprehensive catch-up program to address any gaps in phonics knowledge, and parents are encouraged to support reading at home.
Attendance is high, with leaders addressing any barriers swiftly. The family support officer has established strong community links, contributing to improved attendance rates. The school has not recorded any recent suspensions or exclusions, and staff promote a culture of respect and appropriate responses to mistakes.
Pupils are educated on safety, both online and offline, and engage in community activities, such as food bank collections. However, the range of extracurricular opportunities is limited, particularly in areas like art and music, which restricts pupils' ability to explore their interests fully.
New leaders across the school have a clear vision for improvement, and trustees and governors provide effective support and challenge. Parents express positive sentiments about the school, appreciating its commitment to cultural diversity and community engagement.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. However, the school must enhance its assessment strategies to address knowledge gaps and improve the consistency of curriculum implementation. Additionally, expanding the extracurricular offerings will help pupils discover their talents and interests more fully. Overall, St Joseph's Catholic Primary School demonstrates a strong commitment to providing a quality education while identifying areas for growth and development.
