Hampton Hill Junior School, located in Hampton Hill, received a Good rating in its recent inspection conducted on October 11 and 12, 2023. This marks a shift from its previous Outstanding grade from 2011, reflecting changes in the inspection framework and the school's development over the years. The school has been exempt from routine inspections for a significant period, leading to a longer gap between evaluations.
The school environment is described as welcoming, where pupils feel happy, safe, and well-behaved. They enjoy their learning experiences and meet the high expectations set by the school leaders. The well-being of pupils is a priority, with staff available to support them with any concerns. Initiatives such as mental health ambassadors and friendship buddies help foster a supportive atmosphere during break times.
Hampton Hill Junior School ensures that all pupils have equal access to the curriculum, including residential trips. Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities receive effective support from knowledgeable staff. The school encourages active citizenship, with all pupils participating in school council discussions and taking on various leadership roles. A wide range of extracurricular clubs is available, catering for diverse interests such as sports, coding, and gardening.
The curriculum is broad and ambitious, covering a wide range of subjects from Years 3 to 6. Leaders have carefully considered the knowledge and skills pupils need to develop over time, with a logical progression in the order of content taught. For instance, in mathematics, pupils learn about fractions before telling the time, which aids their understanding. Teachers provide opportunities for pupils to build on prior knowledge, and they check for understanding to address any misconceptions.
Support for pupils with special educational needs is effective, with staff breaking down learning into manageable steps. The school has recently introduced a new phonics program to support early reading, although staff are still becoming familiar with its implementation. Regular reading sessions and a well-stocked playground library encourage a love for reading among pupils.
Classrooms are calm, and pupils are generally attentive and focused. Attendance rates are high, with leaders actively working with parents to maintain this. The leadership team is supportive of staff, ensuring a manageable workload and a positive working environment.
Pupils receive age-appropriate education on relationships and family diversity, learning about healthy relationships and respect. They engage in whole-school debates and participate in educational outings to local museums and galleries, enriching their learning experiences.
The governing body is actively involved in the school, taking pride in its achievements and fulfilling its statutory duties effectively. Safeguarding arrangements are robust, ensuring the safety and well-being of all pupils.
To improve, the school needs to ensure consistent implementation of the new phonics program across all staff, enabling pupils to benefit from a unified approach to reading. Additionally, there is a need for careful selection of activities that align with the intended curriculum to enhance learning outcomes. Overall, Hampton Hill Junior School demonstrates a commitment to providing a high-quality education while prioritizing the well-being and development of its pupils.
