Anston Park Junior School, located in North Anston, Sheffield, underwent an inspection on May 24 and 25, 2023. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as requiring improvement, which was consistent across various aspects including the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management. This follows a previous inspection in June 2021, which also resulted in a requires improvement rating.
The school is described as welcoming and friendly, with pupils expressing enjoyment in attending. Attendance rates are good, and most students demonstrate polite and kind behavior. They understand the importance of healthy relationships and respect for differences. However, there are instances where some pupils do not consistently show respect towards their peers. While bullying is acknowledged to occur, it is reported as rare, and pupils are educated on the importance of being proactive in addressing bullying.
Pupils engage in various roles such as reading mentors and sports leaders, which help them develop responsibility and leadership skills. They enjoy extracurricular activities, including visits to educational sites like Whitby and the Crucial Crew, which teach them about safety. However, both pupils and parents have expressed a desire for a broader range of activities to cater to diverse interests and talents.
The curriculum has strengths, particularly in promoting reading for pleasure. Pupils have access to high-quality texts and benefit from a structured approach to reading that enhances vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension. Early readers receive adequate support to develop their skills. Despite this, there are areas within the wider curriculum that require further development. Leaders have not clearly defined the essential knowledge that pupils need to acquire, which hampers the ability to assess their understanding and progress effectively.
In lessons where teachers present information clearly, pupils achieve the intended learning outcomes and exhibit positive attitudes towards their work. However, when instruction lacks clarity, pupils may become distracted, leading to low-level disruptions that affect the learning environment. For pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, some adaptations are made, but there are concerns that not all pupils access the curriculum alongside their peers, resulting in missed opportunities for quality teaching.
Recent changes to the behavior policy have been implemented, and while some pupils appreciate the rewards for good behavior, others feel the system is unfair and do not fully understand the new rules. This has led to feelings of insecurity in the classroom for some students due to the behavior of a minority.
Pupils are taught to value diversity and understand the importance of equality. However, there is a lack of retention of knowledge regarding different religions and cultures, which limits their ability to make connections between various belief systems. Staff members feel supported by school leaders, and the governing body is recognized for its diverse expertise and understanding of the school's strengths and areas for improvement.
The safeguarding arrangements at Anston Park Junior School are effective. Leaders take timely actions to ensure pupil safety and collaborate with local agencies to support vulnerable students and their families. Staff receive regular training to recognize potential risks, and pupils are aware of how to keep themselves safe in the community and online.
To improve, the school needs to clearly outline the small steps of content that lead to ambitious learning goals in the wider curriculum. Identifying the critical knowledge for all pupils, including those with special educational needs, is essential for ensuring they can progress effectively. Additionally, there is a need for consistent implementation of the curriculum by teachers to minimize disruptions and enhance learning experiences. Addressing the behavior policy's fairness and ensuring all pupils understand it will contribute to a safer and more respectful classroom environment. Finally, enhancing pupils' knowledge of different religions and beliefs will help them better understand the diverse society in which they live.
