Blue Gate Fields Junior School, located in Wapping, London, was inspected on 28 and 29 March 2023. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as good, with the quality of education being outstanding. Behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management were all rated as good. The school had previously been inspected 13 years ago and received an outstanding rating under a different inspection framework. The long gap between inspections was due to the school being exempt from routine inspections until November 2020.
The school fosters a kind and caring community where leaders and staff prioritize the well-being of pupils. Strong relationships are built between staff, pupils, and their families, creating a safe and happy environment for learning. Leaders hold high aspirations for every pupil, encouraging them to reach their potential. The teaching staff employs engaging methods, including storytelling and a rich arts curriculum, which helps to ignite pupils' enthusiasm for learning. Pupils take pride in their achievements and enjoy cultural experiences outside the classroom.
Leaders maintain high expectations for pupil behaviour, and most pupils meet these expectations consistently. They demonstrate respect for others and listen attentively in class. Instances of bullying are rare, and when they occur, leaders address them effectively. The school offers various opportunities for pupils to engage in sports, music, and the arts, allowing them to contribute positively to the school community.
The curriculum is broad and ambitious, designed to reflect pupils' backgrounds while also exposing them to new experiences. It is well-structured, enabling pupils to build on their knowledge and skills progressively. The diverse range of trips and visits enriches their learning experience, and pupils are encouraged to think like subject specialists. Teachers possess strong subject knowledge and utilize effective teaching strategies to enhance pupil understanding. They regularly check for understanding, which fosters a supportive learning environment.
Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities are well-supported and have access to the same curriculum as their peers. Leaders ensure that staff are equipped to meet the needs of these pupils, resulting in high-quality work from all students. Disruption to learning is not tolerated, and leaders are quick to address any issues that arise. However, some pupils' frequent absences from school are impacting their learning, as they miss significant portions of their education.
Reading is prioritized, with early readers receiving phonics instruction to help them catch up quickly. As pupils progress, they develop fluency and comprehension through exposure to a variety of texts. The school promotes a love of reading through events and activities that encourage pupils to read for pleasure.
Pupils learn about important life issues, including relationships, health, and equality, which helps them build resilience and self-worth. Leaders are committed to providing a high-quality education and work closely with parents and carers to meet pupils' needs. The governing body supports the school's ambitions, and staff appreciate the focus on their well-being and manageable workloads.
The school has effective safeguarding arrangements in place, with a strong culture of safeguarding established by leaders. Staff receive regular training to recognize and respond to risks, and in-school counselling services are available to support pupils' emotional well-being. Leaders collaborate with external agencies to ensure pupils receive the necessary support.
To improve, the school needs to address the increasing rate of persistent absenteeism, which affects a significant number of pupils. Leaders should review their strategies for managing attendance to ensure that all pupils receive the full benefit of their education.
