Banks Lane Junior School, located in Stockport, Cheshire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on July 23 and 24, 2024. The school is characterized by a warm and caring environment where pupils feel happy and well-supported. The staff at Banks Lane Junior School maintain high expectations for both academic achievement and behavior, which pupils appreciate. This positive atmosphere contributes to the overall success of the students, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Classrooms are typically calm, allowing pupils to focus and perform their best during lessons. The students are noted for their politeness, friendliness, and articulate communication, even when interacting with visitors.
Pupils at Banks Lane Junior School demonstrate a strong understanding of fundamental British values, recognizing the importance of respecting diversity and treating everyone equally. They thrive in various leadership roles, such as Spanish ambassadors and members of the school parliament, which fosters a sense of responsibility and community involvement. The school enriches the curriculum through educational visits and a wide range of after-school clubs, including activities like street dance and learning to play instruments.
The school excels in defining clear learning objectives across most subjects, ensuring that the curriculum is well-organized and effectively delivered. Staff members benefit from collaborative opportunities to refine their teaching practices, which enhances the learning experience for pupils. In subjects where staff utilize their strong subject knowledge, pupils demonstrate successful progress and achievement. However, there are a few subjects where the school’s checks on curriculum delivery are not as robust, leading to gaps in understanding for some pupils. This indicates a need for the school to strengthen its monitoring processes to ensure consistent delivery across all subjects.
Reading is a significant focus at Banks Lane Junior School, supported by a comprehensive reading program that provides access to high-quality texts for all pupils. The school emphasizes vocabulary development across the curriculum, which has resulted in pupils expressing enthusiasm for their favorite books and authors. Older pupils read with fluency and confidence, showcasing the effectiveness of the reading initiatives in place.
The school has implemented a phonics program for early readers, although there are inconsistencies in its application among staff. Some pupils struggle to transfer their phonics knowledge into everyday learning due to these inconsistencies. To address this, the school needs to provide targeted professional development for staff to ensure a uniform approach to phonics instruction.
Banks Lane Junior School is proactive in identifying pupils with special educational needs, ensuring that they receive the necessary support to thrive. Staff are well-informed about these pupils' needs and adapt learning activities accordingly, facilitating their progress through the curriculum. The school has also made strides in improving attendance rates by closely monitoring attendance data and collaborating with parents to support pupils who may struggle with regular attendance.
Pupils are engaged in their lessons, actively participating in discussions and group work. The school promotes a culture of respect and kindness, which is evident in the interactions among pupils during playtime. While many parents express positive views about the school’s engagement with them, a minority feel that communication regarding their children's support could be improved. This feedback highlights an area for the school to enhance its partnership with parents to better support pupils.
Governors at Banks Lane Junior School are committed to ensuring that all pupils achieve well and regularly evaluate the impact of the school’s actions. Staff members take pride in their work environment, which fosters a culture of appreciation and teamwork. The school has established a supportive atmosphere where staff feel valued and involved in decision-making processes.
The safeguarding arrangements at Banks Lane Junior School are effective, ensuring the safety and well-being of all pupils. The inspection concluded that while the school is performing well, there are areas for improvement, particularly in the consistency of curriculum delivery and phonics instruction. By addressing these areas, the school can further enhance the educational experience for its pupils and continue to build on its successes.