Ofsted conducted a short inspection of Cubitt Town Junior School on May 9, 2019, and found that the school continues to be good. The leadership team has effectively maintained the quality of education since the last inspection in June 2012. The headteacher, Robyn Bruce, has developed a strong leadership team that collaborates closely to provide the best education for all pupils. High expectations are shared among leaders, staff, and governors, fostering an ethos where pupils are encouraged to be ambitious and have high aspirations.
Pupils exhibit commendable behavior, conducting themselves in an orderly and respectful manner in lessons and throughout the school. Parents largely agree that the school promotes good behavior. Pupils are articulate, polite, and display a positive attitude towards learning, showing interest and excitement in their work. They engage actively in class discussions and demonstrate a willingness to reflect on others' views. The vibrant classroom environment and displays reflect high expectations and a broad, balanced curriculum.
The school has made significant progress in writing since the previous inspection, with pupils making good progress from their high starting points at the end of key stage one. Strong teaching and a focus on improving writing standards have led to a higher proportion of pupils achieving greater depth in writing, aligning with national averages. Leaders have raised expectations for presentation and handwriting, resulting in improved quality of work.
Governors play an active role in supporting and challenging school leaders, utilizing their expertise to ensure the school's success. They are well-informed about the community and regularly verify the accuracy of information received from leaders through school visits. Safeguarding measures are effective, with all arrangements deemed fit for purpose. Leaders prioritize the safety of pupils, ensuring that staff are well-trained and aware of safeguarding procedures.
The inspection highlighted the effectiveness of teaching in improving pupils' writing and the broad and balanced curriculum offered. Teachers utilize high-quality texts to enhance writing skills, and pupils are provided with opportunities to self-edit and improve their work. However, some issues with grammar and spelling accuracy persist, indicating a need for a more consistent approach to addressing these errors.
The curriculum is recognized as a strength, with a focus on developing pupils' inquiry and oral skills. Subject leaders are knowledgeable and make connections between subjects to enhance learning experiences. Pupils engage in various subjects and apply their knowledge in practical contexts, such as writing letters from historical perspectives. The school also offers a range of extracurricular activities that promote physical development and provide experiences not readily available outside of school.
Reading is prioritized, with a well-planned English curriculum and access to high-quality reading materials. Pupils read fluently and are supported in developing their comprehension skills. The school has fostered a reading culture, ensuring that all pupils, including disadvantaged and most able, read well.
Next steps for the school include further developing the wider curriculum to deepen pupils' knowledge, ensuring that writing across the curriculum matches the high standards seen in English, and implementing a consistent approach to addressing spelling and grammar errors. The inspection findings indicate that Cubitt Town Junior School is committed to continuous improvement and providing a high-quality education for its pupils.
