Mundy Church of England Junior School, located in Heanor, Derbyshire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on January 11 and 12, 2023. The school fosters a positive environment where pupils enjoy learning and feel safe. Students express their appreciation for the supportive teachers and engaging subjects, highlighting the strong relationships between pupils and staff. The school’s values are well understood by the students, who actively participate in upholding them. The Friday assemblies are particularly popular, celebrating students' achievements and positive attitudes, which further motivates them to take pride in their work.
Behavior among pupils is commendable, with politeness and respect evident in their interactions. While instances of bullying are acknowledged, students feel confident that any issues will be addressed fairly by the staff. Parents and carers show strong support for the school, with many expressing satisfaction with the approachable and caring nature of the staff. The school is committed to ensuring that all pupils achieve their potential.
The curriculum at Mundy Church of England Junior School is broad and well-structured, with a strong emphasis on reading. The library is actively used, and pupils are encouraged to select books that interest them. A new phonics program has been implemented to assist those struggling with reading, and staff have received training to effectively deliver this program. The support provided helps pupils become more fluent readers, and they are making good progress in their reading skills.
Mathematics instruction is also well-planned, allowing pupils to practice their skills until they gain confidence. Teachers assess prior knowledge before introducing new topics, ensuring that any gaps in understanding are addressed. However, there are occasions when teachers do not check pupils' understanding closely enough during lessons, which can hinder progress. The school is aware of this and is working to improve the monitoring of pupils' comprehension.
Pupils express enthusiasm for their learning experiences, particularly in subjects like computing and history. They engage in programming activities and have learned about significant historical events. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in ensuring that older pupils have a clearer understanding of how historians use evidence. Some subjects lack sufficient planning for key concepts, which can lead to gaps in knowledge.
The school is inclusive, providing support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they have access to the full curriculum. Pupils are encouraged to take on responsibilities, such as participating in the school parliament and leading services at the local church.
Staff well-being is prioritized, with leaders mindful of their workload. The safeguarding measures in place are effective, with staff trained to respond appropriately to any concerns. The school maintains strong relationships with families and external agencies to support pupils' needs.
While the school has many strengths, there are areas identified for improvement. Leaders need to enhance the monitoring of pupils' understanding in mathematics and ensure that key concepts in various subjects are planned and sequenced effectively. This will help address any gaps in knowledge and support pupils in retaining what they have learned. Overall, Mundy Church of England Junior School continues to provide a supportive and effective learning environment for its pupils.
