OFSTED and RE Reports
SUMMARY OF OFSTED INSPECTION REPORT 27-28 MARCH 2008
Overall effectiveness of the school
St. Joseph's is a very good school. It has improved since the previous inspection in 2003 and pupils' personal development, care and support are outstanding. All pupils including those with learning difficulties and/or disabilities make good progress from Year 5 to Year 8. Standards are above average and challenging targets are being met. The school knows achievement and progress in mathematics is not as high as it is in English and science. It has made this a key priority for improvement, working closely with partner schools.
The quality of teaching and learning is consistently good and the quality of assessment has improved since the last inspection. The school knows the next step is to make sure the quality of advice on how pupils can improve their work is more consistent. Attendance is well above average and behaviour is excellent. The curriculum is good, particularly the range and breadth of extra activities and educational visits.
Pupils are exceptionally well cared for, thoroughly enjoy learning, and feel safe. The vast majority of parents are very complimentary about the school.
Comments such as '... the school has an excellent caring ethos and the development of the individual child is a very important part of school life ...' and 'my child has the confidence to learn and achieve in a highly caring environment ...' are routine.
The overall quality of leadership, management and governance is good. Highly effective leadership by the headteacher is making sure managers at all levels are being challenged. The governing body continues to move the school forward and capacity to improve is good. The school's own evaluation of how well it is doing is accurate and the right actions are taken to make improvements. Resources are well used to achieve good value for money.
To read the full report please click on the following link: www.ofsted.gov.uk
To read the summary of the Denominational Report please click on the following link: