Ofsted conducted a short inspection of John Rankin Junior School on 1 May 2019, following its previous judgment of good in June 2015. The inspection confirmed that the school continues to maintain a good quality of education. The leadership team, under the guidance of Executive Headteacher Felix Rayner, has established a clear vision and high ambitions for all pupils, ensuring they receive a rich range of experiences. The staff has been well-supported through effective training and a revised leadership structure, contributing to a positive working environment.
Pupils demonstrate a strong enjoyment of school, exhibiting positive attitudes towards learning and describing lessons as engaging. Their behavior is consistently good, fostering a calm and purposeful atmosphere conducive to learning. Parents expressed high satisfaction with the school, highlighting the quality of teaching and the support their children receive. The governing body is effective, utilizing various sources of information to monitor the school's performance and ensure that leaders are addressing current priorities.
The inspection noted that the school has made significant progress in supporting disadvantaged pupils, who are now achieving strong results in reading, writing, and mathematics. The school has implemented effective strategies to address any gaps in learning, ensuring that these pupils receive the necessary support during lessons. Additionally, communication with parents has improved, with many feeling well-informed about their children's progress.
The inspection also highlighted the need for continued focus on writing, particularly in Years 3 and 4. While pupils are making good progress overall, there are still areas for improvement, particularly in providing more opportunities for extended writing and addressing grammatical errors consistently. Safeguarding measures are effective, with a strong culture of safety established through regular training and clear communication with external agencies.
The inspection findings emphasized the importance of maintaining high standards in teaching and learning. Disadvantaged pupils are now making strong progress, and the school has been proactive in addressing previously identified weaknesses, particularly in writing for boys. The leadership team has implemented a comprehensive support program for staff development in mathematics, resulting in improved outcomes for girls in this subject.
Attendance has also been a focus, with leaders analyzing data to ensure that all groups of pupils, including those with special educational needs, are attending regularly. The school has successfully improved attendance rates for disadvantaged pupils, bringing them closer to the national average.
Next steps for the school include providing more opportunities for pupils to write at length and enhancing their understanding and application of grammar. The leadership team is committed to addressing these areas to further improve the quality of education. Overall, the inspection affirmed that John Rankin Junior School continues to provide a good education, with effective leadership and a supportive environment for both pupils and staff.
