Garden Suburb Junior School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school Leaders have an accurate understanding of the school's strengths and areas for development.

They have addressed key priorities to raise standards, particularly in writing. Staff are proud to be part of the school. The headteacher has created a culture where every person is valued and respected.

Training needs for staff are well planned and enable staff to develop their skills effectively. School leaders encourage staff to take on responsibilities. They do so with enthusiasm.

However, roles are not specific enough to ensure staff are held clearly to account. The school's rich curriculum enables pupils to develop a wide range of sk...ills and interests. They have opportunities to study a variety of subjects and the creative arts are promoted well.

The quality of teaching is good. Teachers use their strong subject knowledge, clear explanations and skilful questioning to help pupils move on in their learning. Pupils make good progress from their starting points.

However, lessons do not consistently challenge pupils, particularly the most able and middle-attaining pupils. Pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is strong. Progress and attainment in reading and mathematics by the end of key stage 2 is well above the national average.

Disadvantaged pupils do better than other pupils nationally. Pupils who have special educational needs and/or disabilities make good progress. Their needs, however complex, are well supported and the school ensures that all pupils have equal opportunities to do well.

Pupils have a very positive attitude to learning. They behave well in lessons and participate fully in school life. Pupils feel secure and well cared for.

Bullying of any kind is rare. Leaders have improved pupils' levels of attendance. Effective strategies have been put in place successfully to ensure that no groups of pupils are disadvantaged by persistent absence.

The school's new system for assessing and tracking pupils' progress and attainment is developing. However, the information is not used consistently well across the school. Governors are supportive of the leadership team.

They challenge appropriately and are committed to improving the school further. Safeguarding is effective. The school makes sure that the well-being of pupils has the highest priority.

Information about this school

The school meets requirements on the publication of specified information on its website. Garden Suburb Junior School is a three-form entry junior school. It is larger than the average-sized junior school.

The school shares its site with Garden Suburb Infant School. The schools share a governing body but are led and managed as separate schools. The proportion of pupils who are eligible for pupil premium funding is average.

The proportion of pupils who speak English as an additional language is well above average. The proportion of pupils who have special educational needs and/or disabilities is below average. The school meets the government's current floor standards, which set the minimum expectations for pupils' attainment and progress.

Also at this postcode