Locks Heath Junior School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school Since the last inspection, the headteacher and senior team have raised expectations and provided effective support for improving teaching.

As a result, strong teaching is ensuring pupils' good progress. The newly revised curriculum sparks pupils' interest. Exciting topics broaden pupils' horizons and prepare them well for secondary school.

Pupils' attainment in reading, writing and mathematics at the end of key stage 2 compares favourably with that of pupils in similar schools. Pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is a strength of the school. Pupils enjoy a wealth of enriching activities and events.

This is a...n inclusive, welcoming and friendly school. Pupils feel very well supported by teachers and staff. Nearly all parents are highly appreciative of the care and attention their children receive.

Pupils attend well. For some pupils, including some disadvantaged pupils, attendance has improved. Safeguarding is effective.

Leaders put pupils first and actively seek extra support from the local authority if needed. Governors provide strong oversight and are not afraid to challenge leaders. They have taken an effective role in improving the reputation of the school and its profile with parents.

Most pupils behave well. They are lively, friendly and confident. Pupils feel very lucky to attend the school and are justly proud of their achievements.

Some teaching does not challenge the most able pupils sufficiently. Not enough account is taken of what pupils already know, understand and can do. Sometimes pupils are not clear about the point of the tasks they are set.

This is because : teachers focus too much on the teaching strategies they will use, at the expense of what they want pupils to learn. A very small number of pupils do not fully adhere to the school's high expectations of their behaviour during break and lunchtimes. Some do not show enough consideration of others and are in the habit of using casual derogatory language.

Information about this school

This school is a larger than average junior school. The proportion of pupils with SEND is below average, as is the proportion of disadvantaged pupils. Pupils enter the school with much higher than average prior attainment.

An increasing number of pupils who have particular social, emotional and mental health needs are joining the school. The majority of pupils are White British. The current headteacher has been in post since September 2016.

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