Stanford Junior School is recognized as a good school, demonstrating a strong community ethos that is evident from the moment students arrive. Pupils come to school with enthusiasm, eager to connect with friends and share their experiences. During the inspection, a group of students even celebrated a friend's birthday with a spontaneous rendition of Happy Birthday, showcasing their joyful spirit. The welcoming nature of the students extends to visitors, who are greeted with warmth and curiosity. Staff members collaborate effectively to ensure that students feel safe, comfortable, and prepared to learn, maintaining high expectations for their performance. The positive environment is reflected in the hard work and sensible behavior of the majority of pupils, with many parents praising the kindness and support provided by the staff.
The school offers a broad and well-enriched curriculum that includes a variety of activities and experiences, with a strong emphasis on sports, music, and the arts. The art curriculum, in particular, stands out for its quality, allowing students to develop their skills across various media and produce impressive work. Most students attend school regularly and engage attentively with their teachers. The vibrant curriculum encourages pupils to explore the world around them and discover new interests, as seen in projects like investigating food waste during lunchtime, which fosters awareness of environmental issues.
Reading instruction is a notable strength, with most pupils enjoying reading and achieving commendable results by the end of Year Six. The school has recognized an increase in the number of students requiring additional support in reading upon joining, and measures have been implemented to assist these pupils. However, further targeted support is necessary for some students to ensure they make adequate progress. In mathematics, students performed less well compared to reading and writing, prompting leaders to identify areas for improvement within the curriculum. Efforts are underway to enhance this aspect of education, including the reintroduction of practical equipment to aid mathematical understanding.
Leaders are dedicated to ensuring that all pupils reach their full potential, regardless of their backgrounds or abilities. Students with special educational needs and disabilities are integrated into mainstream classrooms, and the curriculum is generally adapted to support their learning. However, there are instances where staff may lack the specific subject knowledge needed to provide the necessary support, which can hinder progress for some pupils.
The clarity of vision and determination of the leadership team have been instrumental in driving improvements since the last inspection. They have remained resilient in the face of challenges, such as those posed by the pandemic, and have fostered strong communication with staff and parents. Many parents view this as a significant strength of the school.
The safeguarding arrangements in place are effective, ensuring the safety and well-being of all students. While the school has many strengths, there are areas for improvement, particularly in providing more precise support for weaker readers and ensuring that the curriculum is consistently adapted for students with special educational needs. Recent developments in the mathematics curriculum need to be fully established across all classrooms to enhance learning outcomes for all pupils. Overall, Stanford Junior School continues to provide a supportive and enriching educational experience for its students.
