Harewood Junior School, located in Tuffley, Gloucester, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on July 16 and 17, 2024. The school fosters a positive environment where pupils feel happy and proud of their achievements. They celebrate their successes through various recognition programs, such as the Golden Child awards, which contribute to a strong sense of community and belonging among students. The school has high aspirations for its pupils, ensuring they are well-prepared for the next stages of their education. This commitment is reflected in the high academic outcomes achieved by all students, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, as well as disadvantaged pupils.
Pupils actively participate in school life, contributing to initiatives like fundraising through the school council and promoting physical activity during break times as sports leaders. The school emphasizes the importance of sports, encouraging pupils to represent the school in various activities, including cricket and football. Additionally, the school has implemented a restorative approach to conflict resolution, training pupils to help their peers resolve disagreements, which has led to a low incidence of bullying. The pastoral team provides strong support, helping pupils learn about mental and physical health.
The curriculum at Harewood Junior School is broad and ambitious, particularly in reading and mathematics. The school has introduced a reading program to enhance phonics knowledge for early readers, ensuring that pupils have ample opportunities to read aloud and engage with diverse literature. In mathematics, the curriculum is designed to deepen pupils' understanding, with teachers providing additional support when needed. The foundation subjects are well-sequenced, allowing pupils to build contextual knowledge, although some assessment criteria in these subjects could be more precise to better inform teaching practices.
Teachers adapt the curriculum for pupils with special educational needs, using support plans to tailor lessons effectively. However, some assessment strategies lack precision, which can hinder the timely identification of knowledge gaps. The school closely monitors attendance and works proactively to address any barriers to regular attendance, ensuring that most pupils attend well. Behaviour expectations are clearly communicated, and pupils generally demonstrate attentiveness in lessons.
The personal, social, and health education curriculum is well-planned, with a focus on online safety, equipping pupils with the knowledge to navigate the digital world safely. The school maintains strong relationships with parents and the community, offering various support and training opportunities for families. This collaborative approach enhances the overall educational experience for pupils.
The governing body plays an active role in supporting school improvement, providing appropriate challenges to ensure the school continues to thrive. Staff members express pride in their work environment, feeling well-supported and valuing professional development opportunities. The school has effective safeguarding arrangements in place, ensuring the safety and well-being of all pupils.
To further improve, the school needs to refine the assessment criteria for foundation subjects to provide clearer guidance for teachers. Additionally, enhancing the precision of strategies used to check pupils' understanding will help identify misconceptions more promptly. Overall, Harewood Junior School demonstrates a strong commitment to providing a high-quality education and fostering a supportive community for its pupils.
