Ofsted conducted a short inspection of Hillside Junior School on June 18, 2019, following its previous judgment of good in December 2015. The inspection confirmed that the school continues to maintain a good quality of education. The leadership team has demonstrated reflective practices and possesses an accurate understanding of the school’s strengths and areas for improvement. This clarity has facilitated a clear vision for ongoing enhancements. Governors are actively engaged, attending meetings and visiting the school, providing effective support and challenge to school leaders. The transition to a new building in the spring term was managed with minimal disruption to students' learning, showcasing the dedication of the staff and leadership.
Staff morale is high, with many expressing pride in their work environment. The commitment to staff development and well-being is evident, as reflected in positive feedback from the staff questionnaire. Leaders have fostered a supportive culture that encourages teachers and teaching assistants to enhance their teaching quality. Training initiatives have led to improvements in teaching standards, aligning with the school’s aim of inspiring individual success.
Pupils enjoy attending school, with attendance rates exceeding national averages. The school has made significant strides in improving attendance for disadvantaged pupils, which was a focus area from the last inspection. Pupils exhibit good behavior, actively engaging in lessons and demonstrating enthusiasm for the diverse range of experiences offered through the curriculum. The school’s commitment to safeguarding is robust, with all staff receiving annual training and updates, ensuring they are well-equipped to address any concerns regarding child welfare.
The inspection focused on three key areas: the attendance of disadvantaged pupils, their progress in writing, and the quality of teaching across the wider curriculum. Leaders have implemented effective systems to monitor and improve attendance, resulting in notable progress for disadvantaged pupils over the past three years. In terms of writing, targeted interventions and high-quality phonics and reading instruction have positively impacted pupils' writing skills. While there has been improvement in writing attainment for disadvantaged pupils, further consistency in teaching writing skills is needed to enhance overall quality.
The curriculum at Hillside Junior School is broad and engaging, with a variety of visits and activities that enrich pupils' learning experiences. However, there are inconsistencies in the depth of knowledge taught in foundation subjects, particularly in history and geography. The school is encouraged to review and revise its curriculum to ensure that all subjects are taught with adequate depth and that pupils develop key skills across the national curriculum.
In conclusion, while Hillside Junior School demonstrates many strengths, including effective leadership, high staff morale, and a positive learning environment, there are areas for improvement. The school should focus on consistently modeling writing instruction and enhancing the curriculum to ensure comprehensive skill development across all subjects. The positive feedback from parents and the overall school community reflects a strong commitment to providing quality education and support for all pupils.
