Light Oaks Junior School, located in Salford, Greater Manchester, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection from January 8 to 9, 2020. The school provides a nurturing environment where pupils feel happy, safe, and well cared for. Parents and carers express a sense of welcome and involvement in the school community. Pupils report that behavior is generally good, and they appreciate the kindness of the adults in the school. Instances of bullying are rare, and when they do occur, they are addressed promptly. The school fosters a culture of respect among pupils and staff, contributing to high attendance rates as students are eager to participate in their education.
The learning atmosphere at Light Oaks is characterized by curiosity and cooperation. Pupils enjoy their lessons, which are designed to be engaging by teachers and teaching assistants. Students demonstrate good listening skills and maintain positive behavior in class, taking pride in their work. The staff maintain high expectations for both achievement and behavior, ensuring that all pupils have equal opportunities to succeed. This includes full inclusion of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, who achieve well across various subjects.
The school emphasizes experiential learning, with pupils frequently visiting local sites of interest, such as Chester for Roman history and museums in Manchester and Liverpool. Sports play a significant role in school life, with pupils excelling in various competitions, including football, netball, basketball, and swimming.
Senior leaders describe the school as inclusive, which is evident in the well-planned curriculum that supports learning across all subjects. Leaders are committed to the success of all pupils, quickly identifying those who require additional support. The curriculum is comprehensive, although there are areas, such as computing, design technology, and geography, where assessment procedures need further development to enhance delivery.
Teachers effectively utilize curriculum plans to facilitate learning, providing activities that help pupils build knowledge across subjects. For instance, Year 6 pupils demonstrate a strong understanding of Victorian England, while younger students can discuss ancient civilizations with confidence. The science curriculum is particularly strong, with pupils showing a solid grasp of concepts such as the digestive system and the importance of accuracy in scientific investigations.
Reading is a focal point of the curriculum, with pupils encouraged to read widely and often. They express enjoyment in various genres, including comedy, adventure, horror, and science fiction. Many pupils take pride in their reading accomplishments, with some having read the complete works of well-known authors.
Pupils achieve commendably, with notable progress in 2019, surpassing national averages in reading, writing, mathematics, and grammar. Those with special educational needs make comparable gains due to tailored support. The curriculum also extends beyond academics, fostering leadership skills through roles such as house captains and school councillors, alongside participation in extracurricular activities like sports and arts.
Staff members feel valued and supported, with senior leaders considering their work-life balance. New teachers benefit from mentoring, which aids their professional development. The school’s safeguarding measures are effective, with trained leaders and governors vigilant about pupil welfare. Pupils report feeling safe, and staff are trained to recognize and respond to potential safeguarding issues.
To further improve, the school should focus on developing assessment procedures in specific subjects to enhance curriculum delivery. Overall, Light Oaks Junior School continues to provide a supportive and effective educational environment for its pupils.
