Consett Junior School, located in County Durham, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on March 28 and 29, 2023. The school is characterized by a warm and nurturing environment where strong relationships between staff and pupils foster a sense of happiness and well-being. Leaders prioritize getting to know their pupils and their families, which contributes to a supportive atmosphere. High expectations are set for pupils, who demonstrate positive attitudes towards learning, showing enthusiasm and engagement in their lessons. The teachers are highly regarded by the students, who appreciate their availability and support.
Playtimes at Consett Junior School are vibrant, with older pupils taking on leadership roles as part of the sports crew, organizing games and activities for younger students. The behavior of pupils is commendable, with calm and orderly movement around the school. Incidents of bullying are rare, and when they do occur, leaders take them seriously and investigate thoroughly. The school offers a variety of after-school clubs that cater to diverse interests, including sports, yoga, and music, with a notable commitment to brass instrument tuition that has supported the growth of a successful school brass band since 1974.
Leaders are dedicated to providing high-quality learning opportunities and have ensured that the curriculum aligns with national standards. They effectively use assessment data to adapt the curriculum as needed, responding to previous disappointing outcomes with adjustments this year. A strong emphasis is placed on developing reading skills, with daily reading sessions that enhance fluency and stamina. Pupils who require additional support receive daily reading practice with adults, and those transitioning from the infant school generally possess a solid understanding of phonics. Timely interventions are provided for those who need help catching up.
The school has recently introduced a new approach to improving reading comprehension, establishing a clear progression of core knowledge for pupils. While this is effectively implemented in most classes, consistency across the school remains a goal. The physical education curriculum is robust, engaging pupils and building their knowledge of health and fitness. A new mathematics curriculum has also been introduced, focusing on fluency, reasoning, and problem-solving, which has positively impacted pupil engagement and enjoyment. However, there is still work to be done in ensuring that all pupils have opportunities to develop their mathematical reasoning skills fully.
Inclusion is a priority at Consett Junior School, with pupils with special educational needs and disabilities receiving appropriate support and access to the full curriculum. Leaders also emphasize personal development through a well-structured personal, social, and health education curriculum that teaches respect and important values for future success. Staff well-being is a focus for leaders, who strive to manage workloads effectively.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, with staff trained to recognize changes in pupils' behavior and report concerns promptly. Leaders manage pupil attendance diligently, viewing it as a critical aspect of safeguarding. Overall, while Consett Junior School demonstrates many strengths, there are areas for improvement, particularly in ensuring consistency in teaching practices for reading comprehension and mathematical reasoning. Addressing these areas will further enhance the educational experience for all pupils.
