Alverstoke Church of England Aided Junior School, located in Gosport, Hampshire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on September 13 and 14, 2022. The school is characterized by a positive learning environment where pupils express a genuine love for attending. The leadership and teaching staff maintain high expectations for all students, fostering a culture of hard work and sensible behavior choices. Pupils are motivated to earn behavior points, and instances of low-level disruption are rare. When conflicts arise, such as disagreements during play, school leaders effectively mediate to help students restore relationships and respect differing viewpoints.
Safety is a priority at Alverstoke, with pupils feeling secure and supported by attentive adults. The school employs innovative methods, such as 'worry monsters' in classrooms, where students can anonymously express their concerns. Staff regularly monitor these submissions and take prompt action to address any issues. Bullying is infrequent, and the school has established clear procedures for investigating any claims, which pupils trust.
The school's Christian values are deeply integrated into daily life, promoting respect and love among students. Strong relationships are evident, and parents and carers hold the school in high regard, particularly appreciating the thoughtful transition process from local infant schools. This transition helps children settle quickly into their new environment, with many parents noting their children's feelings of safety and thriving in the school community.
Alverstoke Junior School has developed a broad and ambitious curriculum that is well-structured and precise. Leaders prioritize staff development, resulting in strong subject knowledge among teachers. The curriculum is designed to build on prior learning effectively. For instance, Year 5 pupils learn to strengthen frames in design and technology, applying this knowledge to create earthquake-resistant structures.
Teachers are adept at assessing pupils' understanding in core subjects like English, mathematics, and science, which has been particularly beneficial in addressing learning gaps caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, while the curriculum is well-sequenced, there is a need for leaders to refine their focus on the most critical learning objectives in foundation subjects. This refinement would enhance the effectiveness of assessments in these areas.
In terms of reading, the school provides strong support for early readers, with well-trained staff delivering phonics instruction effectively. Once pupils achieve fluency, they engage with a diverse range of high-quality literature to enhance their vocabulary and comprehension. Nonetheless, students have expressed frustration at not being able to finish the stories they study, which limits their ability to fully engage with the narratives and characters. Additionally, while teachers read aloud during lessons, opportunities for pleasure reading are limited.
Mathematics instruction is well-planned and executed, with teachers clearly presenting new concepts and ensuring that pupils grasp mathematical language. The school effectively supports pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they follow the same curriculum as their peers. Teachers accurately identify individual needs and utilize external expertise to provide necessary support.
The curriculum also promotes personal development, with initiatives encouraging pupils to reflect on their behavior and actions. The school's values, such as perseverance and independence, are actively practiced, and students engage in community service, such as litter picking, to foster a sense of responsibility.
Staff at Alverstoke Junior School take pride in their work and feel part of a cohesive team. They appreciate the consideration shown by leaders regarding their workload and well-being, with initiatives like a weekly mental health newsletter contributing positively to staff morale.
The school's safeguarding arrangements are effective, with a culture of vigilance and responsibility among staff and governors. Training is tailored to local risks, ensuring that staff are well-prepared to identify and respond to safeguarding concerns. The curriculum also educates pupils on personal safety, including understanding friendships and boundaries.
To further enhance the school, leaders should address the need for pupils to finish the books they study and explore ways to enrich the reading curriculum to foster a deeper enjoyment of literature. Additionally, refining assessment processes in foundation subjects will help teachers better understand pupils' knowledge and support their future learning. Overall, Alverstoke Church of England Aided Junior School continues to provide a supportive and enriching educational experience for its pupils.
