St Joseph's Catholic Infant School, Birtley

Overview

This ungraded inspection confirms that St Joseph's Catholic Infant School has "taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at the previous inspection," where it was judged good. The school provides an ambitious curriculum with high expectations for behaviour and attendance, ensuring pupils are well-prepared for their transition to the junior school.

Strengths

• The curriculum is "sequenced well to build pupils’ knowledge and skills," with clear continuity between infant and junior stages.
• Staff maintain high behavioural expectations, creating an environment where pupils "treat everyone with respect and dignity" and show kindness.
• Phonics teaching is effective, with daily sessions and targeted support ensuring pupils "show resilience and determination in their reading."
• The school has "significant expertise" in supporting pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), including strong early identification processes.
• Leaders have implemented strategies to improve attendance, including "rapid follow up of any absence," which is helping to raise rates.

Areas to improve

• Teachers should use assessment more effectively to identify and address "misconceptions and gaps in learning" as they arise.
• The "take three approach" for recapping prior learning is not yet used to "consistent effect," causing some pupils to struggle with recalling essential knowledge.

Safeguarding

The report states that "the arrangements for safeguarding are effective."