All Saints Church of England Aided Junior School in Fleet, Hampshire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on March 5 and 6, 2024. The school fosters a safe and happy environment where pupils feel a strong sense of belonging and care for one another. Positive relationships between pupils and staff are evident, contributing to a culture of respect and responsibility. The school effectively manages behavior, encouraging pupils to take ownership of their actions and their community. The core values of love, respect, perseverance, and community are consistently demonstrated by both staff and students, leading to excellent behavior and attitudes towards learning.
The curriculum at All Saints is ambitious, with high expectations for all pupils. Most students achieve commendable outcomes by the end of key stage two in reading, writing, and mathematics, adequately preparing them for their next educational steps. The school is particularly attentive to the needs of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, ensuring that their requirements are identified and met promptly. The governing body is committed to the school’s ethos, emphasizing that they do not give up on any child.
The curriculum is well-structured, with subjects sequenced effectively. In areas such as mathematics and music, staff exhibit strong subject knowledge and implement the curriculum consistently. Lessons are designed to enhance pupils' vocabulary and learning, with mathematics building cumulatively towards ambitious goals. In music, students progress from understanding graphic notation in Year 3 to mastering stave notation by Year 6. However, there is a need for further development in assessment across all foundation subjects to ensure that all pupils can build on their prior knowledge effectively.
Pupils at All Saints demonstrate a love for reading, with many articulating their enthusiasm for literature. They engage deeply with texts, showcasing mature insights and understanding. However, some early-stage readers are not always provided with books that closely match the phonics they have learned, which can hinder their progress. Staff are still enhancing their phonics teaching expertise to better support these pupils.
The school offers extensive opportunities for pupils to explore their talents and interests. Activities such as orchestra and choir are highly valued, and all pupils learn musical instruments, performing for audiences to build confidence and pride in their achievements. Disadvantaged pupils benefit significantly from the school’s personal development programs, and leadership roles, such as play leaders, allow students to model kindness and empathy. The school organizes charity events and sports competitions, fostering a sense of community and responsibility among pupils. Residential trips and excursions enrich the curriculum and provide valuable cultural experiences.
The governing body is skilled and dedicated, playing a crucial role in driving sustained improvements within the school. Staff engage effectively with parents and carers, and they appreciate the professional development opportunities provided, which help manage their workload and focus on teaching. The sentiment among both staff and pupils reflects a strong sense of community, with one pupil describing the school as a family where everyone is supported.
The school’s safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring the safety and well-being of all pupils. However, there are areas for improvement. The reading materials for the weakest readers need to be better aligned with their phonics knowledge to enhance their learning. Additionally, the assessment methods in some foundation subjects require further development to identify gaps in learning more effectively.
Overall, All Saints Church of England Aided Junior School continues to provide a nurturing and effective educational environment. The commitment to high standards, strong relationships, and a supportive community contributes to the school’s success. With ongoing efforts to refine assessment practices and phonics instruction, the school is well-positioned to further enhance its educational offerings and support all pupils in achieving their full potential.