Staveley Junior School is a vibrant and inclusive educational institution located in Chesterfield, Derbyshire. The school aims for all pupils to achieve their best, fostering a culture of ambition and resilience. Pupils are well aware of the school motto, Dream, Believe, Achieve, which is actively discussed by staff to instill the importance of setting and striving for personal learning and life goals. This approach helps students understand the value of perseverance and resilience in their educational journey.
The school environment promotes respect among pupils, who engage in meaningful discussions about diversity and discrimination. During break times, students participate in outdoor play and learning activities, which encourage independence and creativity. The implementation of the OPAL initiative allows pupils to engage in imaginative play, where they build structures, navigate objects, and organize games, contributing to a positive social atmosphere and good behavior.
Staveley Junior School provides numerous leadership opportunities for pupils, such as anti-bullying ambassadors and sports leaders, which enhance their confidence and social skills. The school community is characterized by happiness and pride among students, who express enthusiasm for their learning experiences.
The school has established a robust reading program that emphasizes regular reading and phonics skills development. Digital reading tools are effectively utilized to support pupils, particularly those who may be lagging behind their peers. Staff closely monitor student progress, using this data to address any gaps in understanding, which has led to significant improvements in reading skills, including for those with special educational needs and disabilities.
The curriculum at Staveley Junior School is ambitious and covers a wide range of subjects. It is designed to allow pupils to revisit prior learning, reinforcing their retention of essential knowledge. However, there are areas where the curriculum could be more precise regarding the specific knowledge that students need to acquire. The school is actively working on strategies to help pupils connect key concepts across different subjects, enhancing their overall understanding.
Pupils express positive sentiments about their lessons and the support they receive from staff. The school collaborates closely with parents to improve attendance, which has shown improvement over time. While behavior expectations are generally consistent, staff occasionally remind pupils to maintain focus during lessons and navigate the school calmly, and students respond well to these reminders.
The school is committed to supporting all pupils, including those with special educational needs, and provides workshops for parents to assist in their children's development. This includes guidance on promoting positive behavior and ensuring their children's well-being. The school also emphasizes personal, social, health, and economic education, inviting guest speakers to discuss safety and health topics, which helps pupils understand relationships and personal safety.
Staveley Junior School fosters an understanding of diverse beliefs and cultures, promoting respect and appreciation for differences. Staff feel supported in their professional development, and governors are actively involved in ensuring effective safeguarding measures are in place. They consider feedback from parents and pupils to prioritize improvement strategies, particularly for students with special educational needs.
The school has effective safeguarding arrangements, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. However, there is a need for clearer specification of the disciplinary knowledge required in various subjects to enhance learning outcomes. The school is focused on addressing this to ensure that all pupils acquire and retain essential knowledge throughout their education.
