Leadership at junior school in Gosport strengthens improvement as Ofsted notes areas needing attention
Leadership changes at a school has helped its improvement
Changes to a junior school’s leadership has strengthened its programme of improvement as Ofsted identifies two key areas that ‘need attention’ following a recent inspection.
Ofsted inspectors visited Elson Junior School, in Exmouth Road, Gosport, on July 7 of this year, and found the setting is currently working at the expected standard in all areas apart from curriculum and achievement, which both require improvement.
The published report highlighted new leadership is taking positive steps to implement effective changes to these areas.
The inspector said: “Pupils do not achieve consistently well enough. This is reflected in published outcomes at the end of key stage 2 as well as in the work that pupils produce. Although pupils' attainment is generally close to the national average in writing, attainment is too low in other subjects.
“Teachers do not consistently ensure that pupils secure important knowledge in reading and mathematics. As a result, some pupils have gaps in their learning and struggle to apply basic reading and mathematical skills. This limits their achievement.
“New leaders have recently strengthened the school's checks on pupils' learning to identify gaps in knowledge that have accumulated over time, including for pupils who join the school after Year 3. Efforts to address these gaps, including those in phonics, are not yet consistently effective.”
Despite areas of improvement, Elson Junior School is delivering a “well-designed and coherent programme of personal development that is underpinned by the school's values.” This allows children to understand what makes everyone unique, develop their social skills and appreciate cultural diversity, while also understanding the importance of respecting others.
There is a “highly effective pastoral team” who work alongside students to develop the strategies they need to support their emotional wellbeing and overcome challenges they may face.
The inspection also noted that “inclusion at the heart of the school's work” and there is a strong focus on working closely with pupils and families to establish a collaborative community that works together. Staff are also well equipped to understand barriers students may face, including children with special educational needs, and provisions are put in place to support them.
Ofsted continued: “Leaders track attendance carefully. They work effectively with pupils and their families to reduce barriers to attendance. This approach has been successful in reducing the proportion of pupils who are persistently absent. The school's new approach to behaviour management is having a positive impact. It is well understood by staff and pupils alike. Pupils are keen to meet the school's high expectations.
“Recent changes to school leadership have strengthened the school's focus on improvement. Leaders are focusing on the right priorities. They have an accurate view of the school's strengths and areas for development. Leaders act with urgency to improve the quality of provision. They know there is more work to be done to secure the improvements needed in all lessons. Decisions are made with pupils' best interests at the centre, particularly vulnerable pupils.”
In order to maintain its clear route of improvement, leadership should make sure teachers have the expertise they need and robust assessment systems should be in place that enable teachers to identify and address gaps. Focus should also be on foundational knowledge in communication, language, reading, mathematics and spelling so students are able to access further teaching
Safeguarding measures are effective at the school.
For more information about Elson Junior School’s Ofsted report, click here.