Burnham-On-Sea’s St Joseph’s School is celebrating a positive Ofsted inspection report after being rated ‘good’ in all areas.
St Joseph’s Catholic Primary and Nursery School – which finished the term with its Annual Easter Bonnet Celebration, pictured here – has been praised during the first full inspection by Ofsted since 2008.
Rebecca Suik, Headteacher, told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “We are proud that the inspectors recognised that the children at our school are at the heart of all we do and we are incredibly proud of the respectful, caring and aspirational environment we create and the quality of teaching we provide.”
“Inspectors visiting the school noted particular strengths in our ambitious curriculum and high expectations of behaviour and attitudes.”
Some of the comments from the Ofsted report by the inspectors included: “Pupils at this school are encouraged to be lifelong learners and fulfil their potential. They enjoy coming to school and benefit from warm relationships with staff. This helps them feel cared for. They know staff will help them with any concerns – they feel happy and safe. The relationships between staff and pupils are positive and respectful.”
The inspectors also found “the school has high expectations for all pupils to achieve well. They are ambitious for every pupil and this is underpinned by a broad and ambitious curriculum.”
The report goes on to say: “The school’s clear and robust approach to behaviour, centred on being kind, respectful and being your best, means pupils know how to behave. Pupils have a secure understanding of tolerance and difference. Pupils develop a strong sense of togetherness and are active and responsible citizens who support the community.”
Ofsted also noted that reading is a top priority for the school. Inspectors found a “consistent approach to the teaching of phonics. A love of reading is evident across the school.”
“The school accurately and promptly identifies the needs of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Staff adapt teaching to help these pupils learn the same curriculum as their peers. This is an inclusive school that has an inclusive culture.”
“Pupils are motivated to learn. In Early Years (Reception and Nursery) staff support children well in learning how to take turns and share. Pupils treat each other with respect and care and are well prepared for the next stage of their education.”
Ofsted added that in the Nursery, “the environment is carefully planned and adapted to meet the needs of the pupils. There is a lovely, calm and focussed atmosphere in the nursery where all areas of the early year’s curriculum are well planned.”
“Across the early years (Nursery and Reception) children are nurtured in all 7 areas of learning and there is positive support for children’s personal, social and emotional development. The early years curriculum is ambitious and well planned. The school works effectively with parents to support progress.”
Rebecca Suik, Headteacher, added: “We welcome the areas for further development and it was recognised by the inspectors that these were already areas that the school had identified and were already working on.”
“As a school community we will continue with our relentless approach to school improvement as part of our collective desire to provide our children with an all-round education rooted in a nurturing environment where they flourish, become lifelong learners and fulfil their potential.”
“Thank you to parents who took the time to complete the parent survey during the inspection. Many of the positive comments were used as part of the feedback the inspectors gave to us and we thank you for these kind and positive responses.”
