Fryern Junior School, located in Chandler’s Ford, Eastleigh, Hampshire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on July 2 and 3, 2024. The school prides itself on a nurturing environment where staff genuinely care about the success of every child. The ethos of the school is built around its ‘hidden curriculum’ and the values of curiosity, respect, ambition, reflection, and resilience, which are embodied by the pupils. The school emphasizes kindness, safety, honesty, and pride, creating a supportive atmosphere for learning.
The curriculum at Fryern Junior School is well-structured and designed to engage pupils, sparking their interest in learning about their immediate surroundings and the wider world. Teaching methods encourage students to take risks in their learning, understand that making mistakes is part of the process, and foster a mindset of perseverance. Pupils demonstrate impressive attitudes towards their education, which contributes to a dynamic learning environment. Their knowledge and skills develop across a broad range of subjects throughout their time at the school.
The school also places a strong emphasis on personal and social development, helping pupils learn to care for themselves and build positive relationships with others, regardless of their backgrounds. Extracurricular activities are highly valued, providing opportunities for students to explore new interests and face challenges in a safe setting. Events like enterprise week teach essential life skills, while leadership opportunities empower pupils to take responsibility and influence school life.
Fryern Junior School is adept at creating the right conditions for pupils to thrive. School leaders and governors are well-informed about the school's strengths and areas for improvement. They focus on professional development for staff and planning enhancements that will significantly impact pupils' learning experiences. The identification and support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities have improved this year, with parents appreciating the new workshops and enhanced communication regarding their children's learning.
The school’s commitment to reading is evident, with most pupils becoming confident and expressive readers. They enjoy the diverse range of texts introduced by teachers, and older students actively choose books based on their interests. Additional support for early readers ensures that they quickly catch up, while targeted interventions help those who need extra time to solidify their reading skills.
The wider curriculum is thoughtfully developed, offering a rich array of experiences, from performances to participation in local events and charity work. However, the school has identified a need to improve the clarity of what pupils should remember across subjects beyond English and mathematics. While pupils can recall previous learning, they sometimes struggle to remember key information.
Teaching is generally engaging and knowledgeable, with a systematic approach that includes modeling, guided practice, and independent work. Staff are well-supported in adapting lessons to meet the needs of all pupils, including those with SEND. While there are strong practices in mathematics, consistency across the school is an area for growth, particularly in ensuring that all pupils have opportunities to articulate their mathematical reasoning.
The safeguarding arrangements at Fryern Junior School are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. To further enhance the educational experience, the school should focus on refining assessments in foundation subjects to ensure that pupils can recall essential information and improve the consistency of mathematics teaching to deepen understanding across all year groups. Overall, Fryern Junior School continues to provide a supportive and effective learning environment for its pupils.
