The primary school in Blackhall Colliery provides ‘exceptional pastoral care’
“Joyful” pupils love learning and staff feel “valued” at St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School in Blackhall Colliery, according to a new report by the Catholic Schools Inspectorate.
The school, which is part of Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust, was visited by the Catholic Schools Inspectorate, on behalf of Bishop Stephen Wright, Bishop of Hexham and Newcastle, in April. The inspectors have recently published their report, which rated the school ‘Outstanding’.
It follows a glowing report from Ofsted, released in March, which praised the school for its “nurturing and aspirational” atmosphere, where pupils achieve “exceptionally well”. In the ungraded inspection, Ofsted said that the school had made significant improvements following its previous graded inspection, where it was graded ‘Good’.
CSI lead inspector Barbara Reilly-O’Donnell said in her report: “Pupils love school. They display joyful dispositions and create a culture of mutual respect and inclusiveness.
“The pastoral care offered to pupils and staff is exemplary. Pupils know they are loved and feel a sense of belonging. Adults know they are greatly valued.
“Leaders are highly dedicated. They are aspirational for all and pursue excellence for their pupils with determination and relentless ambition. They ensure that the religious education curriculum is rigorous and aspirational.
“Staff have the highest expectations of pupils in all areas of school life. They are determined to ensure that all pupils flourish and they work relentlessly to remove barriers to success.
“Links to the parish are exceptionally strong and the opportunities to pray together are highly valued by parishioners and clergy. Every opportunity is taken to cement these bonds.”
Pupils at the school “fully recognise their responsibility to be committed citizens” and eagerly take leadership responsibilities as Mini Vinnies and prayer leaders. In working towards the Live Simply Award, they also demonstrate that they can proactively take actions to promote sustainability.
“As a consequence of learning about Catholic social teaching, pupils lead initiatives to serve their community with pride,” added the report.
“Their charitable acts and kind deeds emerge from their recognition that they can make a positive impact on the world. The culture in school is a consequence of deeply rooted beliefs and values which are centred on the teachings of Christ. Pupils therefore feel calm, safe and valued.”
Staff provide “exceptional pastoral care” and are “highly dedicated” to ensuring that all pupils are known and loved. One parent told CSI: “Due to the excellent care, support, educational and spiritual guidance that my children have experienced at St Joseph’s, they have developed strong morals.”
Leaders are “exceptionally driven and relentless in their pursuit of excellence” at the primary, which is on Coast Road.
“Their actions to ‘poverty proof’ the school is testimony to their passion to provide opportunities for all and ensures that no one is left behind,” continued the report.
“They work diligently to support parents as the first educators of their children.
“The headteacher’s energy has a ripple effect across the community and consequently, she inspires all stakeholders to feel a deep sense of pride. Because leaders clearly articulate their vision, the Catholic character is evident in all aspects of school life.”
The children engage well in religious education lessons and make good progress, demonstrating pride in their work and strive to improve.
Prayer is at the “heart of St Joseph’s” and staff are “excellent role models” in the way they plan and lead prayer at the school. There are “rich, prayerful spaces” in classrooms and shared areas at the primary, which enable pupils to feel “uplifted and inspired”.
Executive headteacher Lisa Ashton said: “We are delighted that our report recognises the strong values that underpin our school community. Also, how our pupils are nurtured to become responsible, committed citizens, who understand their uniqueness and feel truly loved and valued.
“I would like to thank our wonderful children, dedicated staff, supportive parents, governors and Parish family for making this Outstanding outcome possible. We are very proud of our lovely school.”
There are places available at Nursery and Reception for September. To arrange a visit or to find out more about the school, visit www.stjosephsblackhall.net
For more information about BCCET, visit www.bccet.org.uk
ENDS
Photo captions: Pupils at St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, Blackhall Colliery.
Press release issued by SASS media on behalf of Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust. For more information, contact Sarah Dale on 07814 976582.