Marlpool Junior School, located in Heanor, Derbyshire, underwent an inspection on October 4 and 5, 2022, and received an overall effectiveness rating of Good. This marked a significant improvement from its previous inspection, which rated the school as Requires Improvement. The school is committed to providing a high-quality education, and this is reflected in the positive feedback from pupils who express that school is their favorite place to be. They take pride in their achievements and feel supported by the school’s leadership, which emphasizes the importance of its core values known as ‘Reach’.
Pupils exhibit good behavior and appreciate the rewards system in place, which encourages them to demonstrate the school’s values. The nurturing environment fosters confidence and resilience among students, who feel safe and know how to keep themselves safe. Instances of bullying are reported to be rare, and pupils trust that adults will address any issues effectively. The school promotes mental health and well-being through its ‘thrive’ approach, helping pupils manage their emotions and feelings.
The curriculum at Marlpool Junior School is ambitious and tailored to meet the needs of all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Leaders have carefully sequenced the knowledge and skills that pupils should acquire in each subject. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in ensuring that teachers consistently check for gaps in pupils’ knowledge and adapt lessons accordingly. While many pupils remember activities, not all retain the knowledge learned.
Reading is a priority at the school, with a strong culture of reading fostered among pupils. Staff actively promote reading in lessons, and pupils enjoy selecting books from the well-stocked library. The new phonics program is designed to support those who struggle with reading, although not all staff have received training in this area yet.
Lessons are engaging and purposeful, with well-trained teachers who help pupils develop subject-specific vocabulary. This vocabulary is instrumental in enhancing their writing and spelling skills. The school has established a respectful and polite atmosphere, with routines that minimize disruptions to learning. Although attendance levels are improving, persistent absenteeism remains a concern, affecting some pupils' access to the full curriculum.
The personal development program is well-structured, teaching pupils the importance of respect and equality. Pupils are encouraged to take on responsibilities, such as being school councillors, and they engage in community activities, demonstrating a sense of social responsibility. The school offers various after-school clubs and opportunities for residential trips, enriching pupils' experiences.
Governors play an active role in supporting and challenging school leaders, ensuring that staff feel supported and that their well-being is considered. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with a strong culture of safety in place. Staff are well-trained and aware of the procedures to keep pupils safe, and pupils trust that they can rely on adults for support.
To further improve, the school needs to ensure a consistent approach to checking pupils' knowledge across all subjects and address the issue of persistent absenteeism by working closely with parents and carers. Overall, Marlpool Junior School demonstrates a commitment to providing a supportive and effective educational environment for its pupils.
