Tollgate Community Junior School in Eastbourne, East Sussex, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on June 28 and 29, 2023. The school fosters a nurturing environment where pupils feel happy and safe. The core values of resilience, friendship, honesty, compassion, equality, and respect are integral to the school culture, promoting strong relationships between pupils and staff. The staff are well-acquainted with the pupils and their families, contributing to a trusting atmosphere. Pupils express confidence in the adults at the school, highlighting the supportive environment.
The leadership at Tollgate has established a culture of high expectations, which is embraced by the staff and reflected in the pupils' behavior. The pupils are described as polite, kind, and well-mannered, demonstrating a strong work ethic and a commitment to their learning. They actively engage in discussions about their learning and enjoy collaborative work. The school’s motto, Together Everyone Achieves More, resonates with the pupils, who understand the importance of the school rules and take responsibility for their behavior. The atmosphere throughout the school is calm and purposeful, allowing for effective learning and enjoyment.
The curriculum at Tollgate is broad and ambitious, designed to engage pupils and foster enthusiasm for learning. Leaders have ensured that the curriculum is coherent and sequenced effectively over time. Teachers generally possess strong subject knowledge, enabling them to break down the curriculum into manageable steps that cater to the learning needs of all pupils. However, there are a few subjects where teachers' subject knowledge could be improved, which may hinder pupils' ability to learn and retain information effectively.
Reading is a priority at Tollgate, with leaders quickly identifying pupils who require additional support. Targeted interventions are implemented promptly, and the phonics leader monitors progress to ensure that pupils become fluent readers. The school has cultivated a strong reading culture, with pupils expressing a love for reading and its ability to transport them to different worlds.
The school is committed to inclusivity, with high expectations for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities. Leaders and staff accurately identify the needs of these pupils, ensuring they receive the same curriculum as their peers. The introduction of 'pupil passports' has enhanced the support provided to these pupils, allowing them to achieve well.
Personal development is also a focus at Tollgate, with pupils demonstrating an understanding of healthy relationships and respect for diverse beliefs. Opportunities for leadership, such as the Tollgate Pupil Ambassadors, allow older pupils to take on responsibilities and support younger students.
Staff at Tollgate are happy and proud to work at the school, with open and honest relationships with leadership. Leaders are mindful of staff workload and introduce new initiatives gradually to avoid overwhelming teachers.
The safeguarding arrangements at Tollgate are effective, with a strong culture of safeguarding established. Staff receive thorough training to address concerns promptly, and pupils are provided with various ways to express worries. The school teaches pupils about safety, including online safety.
To improve further, leaders should focus on enhancing teachers' subject knowledge in a few areas to ensure that all tasks are sharply focused on what pupils need to learn. This will help pupils build and embed knowledge more securely over time. Overall, Tollgate Community Junior School continues to provide a supportive and effective learning environment for its pupils.
