A very warm welcome to St. Joseph’s Catholic Primary School
I am extremely proud to be the Headteacher of this loving school that puts the children at the heart of everything we do. We consider ourselves to be a family where our children can grow academically, physically, spiritually, socially and emotionally in a safe environment surrounded by love and encouragement. We nurture our pupils so that they become caring and compassionate citizens; our pupils understand their responsibilities and are ready to make a positive contribution to society.
Our school is a place where ‘leaders are passionate that all pupils have the best possible start in education.’ (Ofsted 2022).
Our strength lies in working closely with home, the parish and the wider community towards a shared goal with Christ at the centre and the children at the heart of all we do.
At St. Joseph’s, we celebrate each individual and we want every child in our school to feel valued. Our staff provide excellent opportunities for our children to develop their unique gifts and talents. Our aspirational approach encourages all children to believe in themselves. St Joseph’s is a place to explore, ask questions, take risks, make mistakes and learn from them.
All are welcome in our wonderful school. Please contact the school office or look on our website so that we can arrange for you to come and look around.
Mrs Evans Headteacher
Why choose our School?
At St. Joseph’s, we offer diverse opportunities tailored to enrich the learning journey of every child. From our immersive Forest School programme to our dynamic range of student-led groups, every child can find a niche where they can thrive and contribute positively to our community.
As an eco-school, we instill environmental consciousness from an early age, fostering a sense of responsibility towards our planet.
Our youngest pupils (in Early Years Foundation Stage) have access to a large, well-resourced classroom and outdoor area which ensures they have ample space and the resources required to explore, learn and grow in a stimulating environment. We also offer an extensive range of trips and residentials to broaden horizons and encourage a spirit of adventure and curiosity in our pupils.
Joining our school means embarking on a fun and well-rounded educational journey where every child’s individuality is celebrated and nurtured, setting the foundation for lifelong success and fulfilment.
‘St. Joseph’s Catholic Primary School is a happy and caring community. Pupils enjoy playing with each other in the well-resourced grounds. Pupils use the space outside in creative ways, building dens and making up games in the orchard.’
Scan or click QR code to view full Ofsted report
Our school day
The school day begins at 9am; we encourage children to arrive from 8:40am. The day ends at 3:15pm.
Morning Afternoon
Nursery
8:45am-11:45am 12:15pm-3:15pm
Reception 9:00am- 12:00pm 12:00pm - 3:15pm
Key Stage 1 9:00am- 12:00pm 12:00pm- 3:15pm
Key Stage 2 9:00am- 12:00pm 12:00pm- 3:15pm
Wraparound care
Our school uniform
The school uniform can be bought from either our supplier (Cre8ive Design) or in any supermarket.
Our school uniform is:
Our school runs a breakfast club from 7:45am until 8:45am and an after school club from 3:15pm until 5:15pm for a small charge.
To find out more about our wraparound care, please scan or click the QR code.
• Red sweatshirt or sweat cardigan.
• White polo shirt.
• Grey trousers or skirt/pinafore dress.
• Black shoes.
• In summer, red and white gingham dresses, grey shorts, appropriate flat shoes.
• An optional red storm-proof coat may also be purchased from school.
Our PE uniform is:
• White t-shirt.
• Plain black shorts.
• Appropriate trainers for outdoor lessons.
For swimming lessons in year 5 and 6:
• Swimming costume.
• Swimming hat. To order our school uniform please scan or click the QR code.
Our curriculum
At St. Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, we believe that childhood should be a time of exploration and enquiry where there is a thirst for new knowledge and experience. We provide a broad and balanced curriculum for children aged 3-11 years old that is engaging, exciting and equips them not only for today but for the future.
Our knowledge-rich curriculum has been designed to promote curiosity. It recognises children’s prior learning, provides first-hand learning experiences and empowers them to become creative, critical thinkers.
We know how important it is for our children to have a range of experiences that help them develop their understanding of the world around them, to be responsible members of society and to recognise the wide range of opportunities available to them. Close links with our parish and the wider community give the children opportunities to be involved in local, national and global issues.
We believe that children learn most effectively when they feel happy and safe in their environment. Our Trust virtues (resilience, honesty, compassion, justice, confidence, respect and self-belief) and fundamental British values (democracy, individual liberty, the rule of law, mutual respect and tolerance) underpin our curriculum.
“Pupils, including the youngest in school, show positive attitudes towards learning.”
“The school is calm and has a learning ‘buzz’ as pupils do their work”
Ofsted
Special educational needs and disabilities
At St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, we strive to support all children to enable them to achieve their potential. In order to do this, many steps are taken to support them through their learning journey. For some children, there are occasions when additional support may be needed to help them to make the best possible progress in school.
The four broad ‘areas of need’ are Communication and Interaction, Cognition and Learning, Social, Emotional and Mental Health Difficulties, and Sensory and Physical Needs. We endeavour to identify special educational needs at the earliest possible opportunity so that the child can be given the best and most appropriate support to enable them to access the curriculum.
Parents/ carers will regularly be invited to share their views on their child’s needs and progress in order to ensure the most appropriate provision is provided. Children will also be given the opportunity to reflect on their needs and have their views taken into account.
We believe in positive intervention, removing barriers to learning, raising expectations and levels of achievement and working in partnership with other agencies in order to provide a positive educational experience for all our pupils including those with special educational needs or disability.
Key Contacts
• Mrs K Evans, Headteacher
• Mrs J Doyle, SENDCO
• Mrs M Wood, Governor SEN
To find out more please scan or click the QR code
Our Trust
Bishop Hogarth Catholic Education Trust is a family of 35 schools across County Durham, Darlington, Hartlepool, and Stockton-On-Tees.
Our mission is to provide the highest quality education, fostering a collaborative environment where resources and best practices are shared among our schools.
We are committed to the educational welfare of our pupils. This is why we place Christ at the centre and children at the heart.
JUSTICE & COMPASSION
We value fairness and empathy, treating others with kindness and understanding.
HONESTY & RESPONSIBILITY
We prioritise truthfulness and accountability, taking ownership of our actions and decisions.
CONFIDENCE & RESILIENCE
We foster courage and adaptability, empowering individuals to face challenges and overcome setbacks.
RESPECT & SELF BELIEF
WATCH OUR VIDEO
We embrace diversity and individuality, fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and confident.
Apply for a place at St. Joseph’s
Starting primary school is a very important time for you and your child. At St. Joseph’s, we aim to make this a happy experience for everyone.
Children can start school in our reception class in the September of the academic year in which they will be five years old.
To apply for a place at St Joseph’s, you will need to apply through Durham County Council’s website. Please click the link for more information or scan the QR code https://stjosephsna.bhcet.org.uk/about-us/admissions
Children not already attending school nursery will be invited to spend some time with their new teacher and other children from their class in the summer term in order to familiarise themselves with the school environment. An information evening for our new Reception class parents is also held in the summer term.
For mid-year admissions at other times of the year or for year groups other than Reception, please go through Durham County Council’s website (https://www.durham.gov.uk/primaryschoolplaces). We highly recommend contacting the school in the first instance for a visit.
Nursery Admissions
At St. Joseph’s, we offer a wonderful nursery setting for both two and three year olds. Both age groups are available from 8:45am - 3:15pm (term time only) and can be a mix of both government funded hours and private payment. Please visit our website for more information.