Worcester school rated ‘good’ after inspection

A city primary school praised for ‘feeling like a family’ has kept its ‘good’ rating following an inspection by Ofsted.

St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School in Worcester has been judged a ‘good’ school by inspectors and was commended for its “calm atmosphere” and dedicated staff.

The school, in Chedworth Drive in Warndon, was reviewed by watchdog Ofsted in December last year with inspectors highlighting the amount of care given to pupils and labelled St Joseph’s as a “school that felt like a family.”

Headteacher Louise Bury heaped praise on staff at the school and was pleased that inspectors recognised their willingness to go above and beyond.

“The report clearly highlights the sense of well-being at the school, how well staff know pupils and also the fact that staff feel cared for too,” she said. “We are indeed a family.

“I am so pleased that the report acknowledges the inclusivity of the school and how pupils with special educational needs and learning disabilities are fully included in lessons and all aspects of school life.”

Wayne Simner from inspectors Ofsted said: “This is a school that feels like a family. Pupils enjoy attending and being with their friends. They feel safe because the staff help them and look after them.

“There is a strong sense of pastoral care across the school, which dovetails with the school’s ethos.

“Leaders, governors and staff want the best for all pupils. This has led to many improvements in the quality of education and other aspects of school life.

“However, leaders are not complacent. They are aware that the school can improve even further and are determined to pursue improvements for the benefit of all pupils.

“There is a calm atmosphere around the school.

“Leaders have high expectations of pupils’ behaviour. In lessons, pupils listen well and focus on their work.

“At breaktimes, they play games cooperatively and enjoy chatting with their friends. Staff take bullying seriously and deal with any issues quickly.

“Most parents speak positively about the school. They appreciate the level of care given to their children and the fact that teachers are willing to go above and beyond.”