St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School in Somerford, Christchurch, given ‘good’ Ofsted rating

A SOMERFORD primary school with ‘community at its heart’ continues to be ‘good’ according to a recent inspection.

St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, on Dorset Road in Somerford, received a visit from Ofsted inspectors on 19th and 20th June, when it was praised as a nurturing school where pupils are “polite, kind and caring”.

Expectations and aspirations were found to be high for all, with pupils demonstrating impeccable manners and treating adults with the utmost respect. The school inspection report noted: “During playtimes and lunchtimes pupils of all ages played together harmoniously. This makes it an enjoyable experience for all.”

Opportunities for wider development were also judged to be plentiful with youngsters representing the school in local competitions including tag rugby, handball and golf; and taking part in residential away trips in Year 5 and 6. All this, said inspectors, helped to build pupils’ confidence and character.

“The school has designed an ambitious and broad curriculum,” stated the report, adding: “opportunities to enrich learning are carefully considered.”

Children with special educational needs and disabilities were at the forefront of curriculum design, with teachers adapting learning effectively for all pupils. Assessment in reading and maths was shown to be efficient, with reading at the “front and centre of the curriculum”.

However, the inspection found that progress reporting and assessments in other subjects was less well developed, and as a consequence the school did not always have an accurate understanding of the gaps in pupils’ knowledge. The report, by lead inspector Wendy D’Arcy, stated: “As a result, some pupils find it difficult to recall previous learning.”

It continued: “In art and design, for example, older pupils struggled to recall primary and secondary colours or explain how to create tone or mood.”

Highlighting evidence of a “strong work ethic in every classroom”, the report added: “Pupils are enthusiastic about their learning. This begins in reception where children are curious and inquisitive. Pupils are keen to share ideas, and listen respectfully to one another.”

Opportunities to develop leadership skills were also identified within St Joseph’s Catholic School, with pupils able to become house captains, library keepers and sports leaders, allowing them to develop self believe and ambition. Safeguarding arrangements within the school were also found to be effective.

There are currently 215 on roll at St Joseph Catholic School aged between four and 11 years. Because it has been judged to be a ‘good’ school, it will be re-inspected in four years.