St Joseph’s Catholic Voluntary Academy in Derby continues to be a ‘Good’ school, which is a happy, safe place where staff and pupils treat each other with respect.
That was the verdict of Ofsted following a two-day ungraded inspection at the school in Mill Hill Lane, the first since the COVID pandemic.
Lead Inspector Kirsty Norbury noted that pupils worked hard, were kind to each other and were proud ambassadors of the school’s values.
Pupils told the inspector that the school was ‘like a whole entire family under one roof’.
“All staff have high expectations for all pupils. Pupils are supported well to meet these expectations. They are keen to do their best,” the inspector’s report said.
The wide range of opportunities that the school offers were noted in the report, including Irish dancing, Gaelic football and residential trips.
School leaders were praised for a well structured curriculum that reflects the diverse population of the school community with reading described as “fundamental to the school’s curriculum.”
The inspector said: “Each topic is enriched with books from a variety of interesting authors and genres. Pupils love talking to visiting authors. They are inspired to become readers and writers.”
Children in Reception class learn the routines and behaviours that enable them to be successful in school, according to the report.
“Children develop their language and communicate well with adults and their peers. Staff have high expectations of what children can achieve in the early years. Children are happy and curious learners,” the inspector said.
The comprehensive personal development curriculum was highlighted and the inspector said that governors had a good understanding of the school.
Arrangements for safeguarding are effective and leaders and staff are well trained, the report said.
Tracey Churchill, Headteacher at St Joseph’s, said: “It is wonderful to read the report and to see our school community get the recognition that it deserves. Our families are a pleasure to work with and we are all very proud of our children.”
Kevin Gritton, Chief Executive of the St Ralph Sherwin Catholic Multi Academy Trust, said: “We are delighted for the St Joseph’s community and it is great to see that all of the hard work being done by senior leaders and staff has been recognised by Ofsted.”
