St Laurence Church Junior School in Northfield, Birmingham, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on February 28 and 29, 2024. The school is known for its unique offerings, including a long-standing residential trip to York and participation in charity work through the Lenten Project. The school's vision, Learning, loving and sharing, guided by Jesus, is evident in the positive experiences of its pupils, who develop into confident and independent learners, well-prepared for secondary education.
Pupils express a strong affection for their school and demonstrate thriving academic performance across a broad curriculum. High expectations from teachers contribute to pupils' hard work and kindness towards one another. The school fosters skills in mathematics, reading, music, and French, and offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including an active choir, sports, gardening, and art clubs. Pupils feel safe and happy, with generally positive behavior, although some students noted that not all behavior meets their expectations. Staff effectively address any issues that arise, and the new behavior and relationships policy has been well-received.
The curriculum at St Laurence Church Junior School is designed to inspire and engage pupils, allowing them to build on prior knowledge and deepen their understanding of subjects. Teachers effectively sequence learning and encourage discussions that enhance mathematical reasoning. However, there are instances where the complexity of information or tasks can hinder pupils' understanding, leading to confusion. The school is committed to supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they receive appropriate adaptations to access the curriculum. While most pupils with SEND achieve well, some struggle to meet the school's high behavior standards, which can disrupt learning for others. The introduction of a new behavior policy has led to a reduction in suspensions.
Reading is a priority at the school, with pupils immersed in literature and receiving targeted support to catch up if they fall behind. The school offers numerous personal development opportunities, teaching pupils about diverse cultures, faiths, and the importance of equality and acceptance. Pupils actively contribute to the school and the wider community, taking on leadership roles and engaging in charitable initiatives, such as fundraising for Birmingham Children’s Hospital.
The governing body plays a crucial role in supporting the school’s forward-thinking approach and continuous improvement. They collaborate with school leaders to implement effective strategic plans and respond to guidance from local and national bodies. Leaders have a clear understanding of the school’s strengths and areas for development, aiming to enhance the educational experience further.
Safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, ensuring the safety and well-being of all pupils. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in breaking down learning into manageable steps to enhance understanding and reduce confusion. The school is encouraged to embed its behavior policy more thoroughly to minimize disruptions and maximize learning time. Overall, St Laurence Church Junior School continues to provide a supportive and enriching environment for its pupils, fostering both academic success and personal growth.
