VISITOR FEEDBACK

Here is our feedback from our visitors

Relationships are at the heart of everything St Joseph’s is about. Pupils hold leadership roles, such as, primary ministers. These roles inspire pupils to contribute to the school community and beyond. Pupils are rightly proud of their school. They know that their opinions matter. Pupils speak highly of their teachers. Many pupils love learning. Older pupils are excellent role models for the younger pupils. Pupils benefit from a rich range of activities, which they appreciate. These include various sports clubs, line dancing, darts and choir. Pupils’ behaviour is very good. They behave exceptionally well towards each other and adults. Pupils respond well to the high expectations that the school has of their behaviour and conduct. They are very polite and well mannered. Pupils make a significant contribution to the calm environment that exists across the school. Pupils told the SEA that they behave so well because they know they are respected by staff and it is important to do good deeds. One pupil added: “we need to show a good example to the younger children.”

SEA Linda Chesworth -February 2024

The school’s aim is for all children to become inquisitive, knowledgeable and enthusiastic scientists who will enquire and discover the world around them with confidence through child-led investigations. The school has achieved the primary science quality mark (PSQM) (July 2022). The subject leader explained how the profile of science has been raised, for example, an increase to the amount of science investigations for pupils and half termly science technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) days. Pupils in key stage 2 have two hours of science lessons per week. KS1 pupil have 1.5 hours per week. The subject leader has very good subject knowledge, and she has adapted the curriculum framework to create a a bespoke and very strong science curriculum for pupils at St Joseph’s.

Leaders have created a skills progression document  and overview for the science curriculum which makes clear the progression from EYFS through to Year 6. This provides clarity in terms of what is to be taught and when. In discussion, the subject leader explained that it is her intention to ensure diversity regarding the choice of scientists who are carefully chosen to be studied as part of the intended curriculum, such as, George Washington Carver.

SEA Linda Chesworth -February 2024

"It has been an absolute pleasure working with the team on their EYQS journey. The team are very responsive and reflective and take on all advice with positivity and determination. The school are open to feedback and suggestions and have made enormous progress in ensuring all children access high-quality effective provision and outcomes have improved as a result. The focus on developing understanding of others and the natural world has been extremely positive for the whole school community."

Louise Alce HFL EYQS Advisor

"Leaders have an accurate understanding of the school’s strengths and areas for improvement

The headteacher has a sense of urgency and determination to continually improve the school

Leaders work hard to make sure all pupils are a part of the school and included"

Linda Chesworth - HFL Advisor

" A lovely morning sharing about CHEXS, children were engaged and asked lots of questions" "we talked about Health and Safety and made links to other jobs in our community with Health and Safety"

Elaine McKensie - CHEXS

"WOW!! Teachers are the most fantastic people and individuals we have in this world, they are so patient, professional and make a difference to our children! Keep up the good work! Parent - Florence

"I visited year 2 to read a story for book day, wonderful experience! A lovely well behaved class!"

Parent - Mrs Vinci

"Pupils’ social, moral, spiritual and cultural development is particularly strong. Pupils develop excellent attitudes to equality as a result of the all-pervading ethos in the school.

The quality of teaching is good. The relationships between staff and pupils are particularly strong. Pupils feel well supported and this helps them to make good progress

Parents are highly supportive of the school. They express high levels of satisfaction and almost all of the parents who responded to Parent View said that they would recommend the school to others"

Ofsted - April 2017

"Pupil are exemplary ambassadors for their school, demonstrating an excellent understanding of the mission of the Church

Most pupils make good progress in their knowledge and understanding of the Catholic faith. Their religious literacy is well developed

Pupil are pro-active stewards of the Common Good and have a deep understanding of the teaching of the Church and countless opportunities to engage in action for those in need. The children have a dynamic and deep understanding of the call to human flourishing.

Pupils across the phases are offered a rich experience of Catholic life."

Section 48 RE Inspection - January 2018