Chester Park Junior School, located in Bristol, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on March 8 and 9, 2023. The school is characterized by a welcoming and inclusive environment where pupils are happy, polite, and friendly. They understand the expectations set by adults and adhere to the school rules, which fosters good behavior and positive attitudes towards learning. The strong pastoral support provided by staff helps to build caring relationships with pupils, ensuring they feel safe and supported. Instances of bullying are rare, and pupils are confident that any issues will be addressed promptly by adults.
The school promotes an appreciation of diverse cultures and faiths within the community. Pupils engage in activities that educate them about the Windrush generation, visit local mosques, and celebrate cultural events such as Eid. They also have opportunities to participate in African drumming, enhancing their cultural awareness. The school supports pupils' wider development through various clubs, including boxing, cookery, and basketball, which contribute to their physical fitness and personal talents. Additionally, pupils are encouraged to take on leadership roles, such as sports ambassadors and librarians, which help them develop essential leadership skills.
Parents express high levels of satisfaction with the school, often describing it as fantastic and appreciating the efforts made for their children's education. The leadership team and staff share a common ambition to provide high-quality and enjoyable learning experiences. The curriculum is well-structured and sequenced, clearly outlining the knowledge, skills, and vocabulary that pupils need to learn. Pupils show interest in their studies and generally grasp the curriculum effectively, demonstrating their understanding of topics such as Stone Age Britain and the Second World War.
Reading is a priority at Chester Park Junior School, with leaders inspiring pupils to develop a love for reading. Through targeted practice, pupils enhance their comprehension, inference, and prediction skills. The school identifies pupils who struggle with reading and provides effective phonics support, ensuring that they read regularly to improve their fluency. Mathematical understanding is also developed successfully, with pupils revisiting previous learning to reinforce their knowledge and apply it to new concepts.
The school provides sensitive support to pupils who face challenges in managing their emotions, which helps minimize low-level disruptions in the classroom. Leaders collaborate closely with staff, parents, and external agencies to meet the needs of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities. While the school offers focused academic and pastoral support, attendance remains a concern, particularly for some pupils with SEND. Despite efforts to improve attendance, some pupils still miss school regularly, which can hinder their learning progress.
The safeguarding arrangements at Chester Park Junior School are effective, with all staff prioritizing the safety and well-being of pupils. Leaders tackle difficult issues head-on and maintain thorough records of safeguarding actions. Staff receive training to understand their responsibilities, and pupils are educated on how to stay safe, including online safety. The school has policies in place to raise awareness of issues such as sexual harassment and online abuse.
To enhance its performance, the school must fully embed recent curriculum improvements and ensure that assessment practices are consistently applied across all subjects. Leaders are encouraged to continue their efforts to improve attendance, ensuring that all pupils can benefit from the educational opportunities provided. Overall, Chester Park Junior School continues to demonstrate its commitment to providing a supportive and enriching learning environment for its pupils.
