Ofsted conducted a short inspection of Grendon Junior and Infant School on 11 July 2019, following its previous judgment of good in April 2015. The leadership team has successfully maintained the quality of education, demonstrating a clear vision and commitment to enhancing the learning experiences of all students. The school is characterized as a vibrant and happy environment, underpinned by a strong ethos of 'we can.' The headteacher, Christine Pyke, has an accurate understanding of the school's strengths and areas for improvement, utilizing a robust monitoring system to identify necessary enhancements.
The school has effectively addressed previous areas for development, ensuring that the curriculum is well-matched to students' abilities and providing appropriate challenges. Observations and reviews of student work indicate that this focus has led to improved progress in writing and mathematics. However, there remains a recognition that further work is needed to ensure consistent support and challenge across all year groups.
The assessment system established by the leadership team allows for effective monitoring of student progress. Teachers utilize this information to identify students at risk of falling behind and provide necessary support. The senior leadership team operates cohesively, contributing to the achievement of school improvement priorities. Staff appraisal systems have been strengthened, enhancing the quality of teaching and learning. Teachers express appreciation for the training and support they receive.
Governance is a notable strength, with a restructured governing board that has undertaken relevant training. Governors are well-informed about the school's operations and maintain a clear understanding of its strengths and areas for improvement. They are supportive of the leadership team and actively engage with the school community.
Pupils exhibit positive attitudes towards learning and take pride in their school. During the inspection, students were eager to share their learning experiences and demonstrated excellent conduct throughout the school. The school has fostered strong relationships with parents, who generally express high levels of satisfaction with the school's commitment to pastoral care and support. While most parents are supportive, a small number have concerns regarding the handling of bullying, although this is not reflected in the school's behavior logs or student feedback.
The curriculum is broad and balanced, providing students with diverse educational experiences. It emphasizes the development of resilience, problem-solving skills, and confidence. Students are encouraged to apply their skills across various subjects, leading to a strong understanding of the importance of overcoming challenges.
Safeguarding measures are effective, meeting statutory requirements. The leadership team has established a strong safeguarding culture, ensuring that staff and governors are well-trained and knowledgeable about child safety procedures. Parents and students feel secure in the school environment.
Despite improvements in attendance rates, persistent absence remains an area for development. The school has implemented strategies to enhance attendance, including working closely with families and providing incentives for high attendance. Progress in writing has improved, particularly for disadvantaged pupils, although further efforts are needed to ensure that all students achieve their potential.
Overall, Grendon Junior and Infant School demonstrates a commitment to continuous improvement, with effective leadership, strong governance, and a supportive learning environment. The next steps involve further reducing persistent absence and ensuring that all pupils, particularly those who are disadvantaged or high-attaining, make strong progress in writing and mathematics.
