Knowsley Junior School, located in Springhead, Oldham, received a positive inspection report following its evaluation on March 15 and 16, 2022. The school was rated as good in overall effectiveness, quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management. This reflects a consistent standard since the previous inspection, which also rated the school as good.
The school environment is characterized by a friendly atmosphere where pupils actively contribute to making it welcoming. They are respectful towards one another and adults, demonstrating politeness and thoughtfulness. Pupils exhibit good behaviour during lessons, playtimes, and while moving around the school. Staff maintain high expectations for all students, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. This encourages pupils to strive to meet these expectations, fostering a culture of attentiveness and support among peers. The positive attitudes towards learning significantly contribute to the overall achievement of the students.
Pupils take pride in their responsibilities, such as participating in the junior leadership team, and their opinions are valued by school leaders. This involvement enhances their sense of belonging within the school community. The variety of clubs and opportunities available is appreciated by the students, and older pupils look forward to upcoming residential trips. The support and care provided by staff are evident, with pupils expressing trust in adults to help resolve any issues, including bullying, which they report as non-existent. Overall, pupils feel happy and safe at school.
The curriculum at Knowsley Junior School is well-structured and aligns with national standards. Leaders have thoughtfully designed it to be engaging and relevant for pupils, ensuring that all students, including those with SEND, can make meaningful connections across subjects. Many subjects have a clearly defined progression of knowledge, allowing teachers to effectively introduce and reinforce key concepts. However, some subjects are still in the process of being fully developed, particularly in terms of sequencing and assessment strategies. Leaders are actively working to finalize these curriculums within the next year.
Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the school has taken effective measures to address gaps in learning, particularly in phonics for pupils in Years 3 and 4. Daily phonics sessions have been implemented to support those needing to catch up, and staff have been trained to deliver these sessions effectively. The school ensures that all pupils leave Year 6 with strong reading, writing, and communication skills, fostering a love for reading and encouraging ambitious vocabulary use in writing.
Leaders are committed to preparing pupils for their future, ensuring that those with SEND and disadvantaged backgrounds receive the necessary support. The school promotes respect for diversity and encourages pupils to embrace differences, fostering a mature understanding of personal identity and moral issues. The leadership team is knowledgeable and dedicated, with staff feeling valued and supported in their roles. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with staff trained to identify and address pupils' mental and emotional health needs promptly.
In summary, Knowsley Junior School demonstrates a strong commitment to providing a supportive and effective educational environment. While there are areas for improvement, particularly in refining the curriculum and assessment practices in some subjects, the overall effectiveness of the school is commendable. The positive relationships among pupils and staff, along with the well-structured curriculum, contribute to a thriving learning community.
