Mudeford Junior School, located in Christchurch, Dorset, was inspected on 28 February and 1 March 2023. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as good, with specific areas such as behaviour and attitudes, and personal development receiving outstanding ratings. The quality of education and leadership and management were both rated as good. This inspection marked the first routine evaluation since the school was last inspected 14 years ago, when it was rated outstanding under a different framework.
The school has a strong reputation among parents and carers, who express satisfaction with the care and education their children receive. Many parents noted that their children are thriving and that the needs of the children are prioritized. The school environment is described as calm and productive, fostering a sense of fun and engagement in learning. Leaders maintain high expectations for pupil achievement, and the curriculum is well-developed, allowing pupils to enjoy learning and achieve well, including those with special educational needs and disabilities.
Pupils exhibit exemplary behaviour both in lessons and during social times, demonstrating supportive and caring attitudes towards one another. They value their friendships and the warm relationships they have with staff. Pupils feel safe and happy at school, with bullying being extremely rare and swiftly addressed by adults when it occurs. The school offers a diverse range of extracurricular opportunities, enabling pupils to develop various skills and interests, including sports, music, and gardening.
The leadership team is ambitious for the pupils and ensures that the curriculum equips them with the necessary knowledge and skills for success. Teachers are passionate and possess a high level of subject expertise. The early identification of pupils with special educational needs is prioritized, and staff are well-informed to meet these pupils' needs effectively. Pupils with special educational needs report positively about the support they receive.
While pupils learn well across a wide range of subjects, the inspection identified that assessment practices in some areas are underdeveloped, leading to inconsistent recall of prior learning. Leaders are aware of this and are working to implement effective assessment systems across all subjects. Reading is a high priority, with leaders determined that every pupil will leave key stage two with a love of reading and the ability to read fluently and with understanding. Teachers provide ample practice for pupils in the early stages of reading, ensuring that reading materials match their phonics knowledge.
The school excels in providing exceptional pastoral care and personal development, going beyond the national curriculum to prepare pupils for their futures. This includes planned careers education and lessons on finance and budgeting. Pupils demonstrate positive attitudes towards learning, and their curiosity is evident during lessons, such as when they engage in global awareness activities.
Staff members enjoy working at the school, appreciating the camaraderie and support from leaders. They value the training provided to enhance their skills and knowledge, and leaders are mindful of staff well-being and workload. Governors are actively involved in holding leaders accountable for the quality of education and care provided to pupils.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, with a strong culture of safeguarding established. Staff are well-trained to identify and report concerns, and leaders respond promptly to support pupils and families in need. The school teaches pupils about age-appropriate risks, ensuring they understand the importance of healthy relationships. Overall, Mudeford Junior School is a nurturing environment where pupils thrive academically and personally, supported by dedicated staff and strong leadership.
