Newcastle primary school awarded 'good' Ofsted grade in latest report

St Joseph's Primary School in Newcastle was praised for its inclusivity and for being a warm, caring place

Pupils and staff at a Newcastle primary school have celebrated returning to the classroom with an Ofsted report highlighting St Joseph’s Catholic Primary as "a haven for those who attend it." The report awards a ‘Good’ grade overall and praises it for being a warm, caring place where staff know both pupils and their families well.

“Pupils smile broadly and are proud as they greet visitors to their school. The values of love, trust and respect are well understood by all. The school welcomes those from different faiths and cultures with open arms,” the report says.

Head of School Sharon Rogan said she was delighted the report highlighted the positivity and ambition of everyone at St Joseph's. “We are proud of the community feel of the school. It is something we have worked very hard on, and we are delighted that this has been recognised in the report."

A member of the Bishop Bewick Catholic Education Trust, the school has 226 children aged from three to 11-years-old. Paul Brown, Executive Head Teacher said: “It was lovely that the inspector recognised the excellent standards and curriculum that we have developed over time at St Joseph's, but most importantly the intangible feel that the school has.

"It is a wonderful place to be for both adults and children and we are very proud of the offer that we make and continue to evolve."

The school was also praised for its inclusivity. The report stated: "Pupils appreciate their own and each other’s uniqueness. Intolerant language and/or bullying is never accepted."

However, the report did state areas in which the school could improve, the first being in some foundation subjects. "In some foundation subjects, what pupils will learn and in what order is not clearly set out. This means that staff do not focus consistently on the most important knowledge, skills and vocabulary pupils need to learn.

"The school should review each foundation subject to ensure its curriculum builds on prior learning. The school should ensure that staff check pupils’ understanding before teaching new content."

Another area the report outlined was in early years development. The report said: "In the early years, planned opportunities for pupils to improve their literacy and numeracy skills are better planned in some areas of the provision than they are in others.

"This reduces the impact of the curriculum because some children do not develop their skills and knowledge as well as they might. The school should review its outdoor learning provision in particular, to ensure it helps children develop their literacy and numeracy skills effectively."

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