Ofsted conducted a short inspection of Whitstable Junior School on 18 June 2019, following its previous judgment of good in April 2015. The inspection confirmed that the school continues to maintain a good quality of education. The leadership team, under the headteacher, has effectively navigated staff changes and reorganized the senior leadership team to enhance the school's capacity for improvement. There is a shared vision among the headteacher, staff, and governors, focusing on the well-being of pupils and their academic success. Staff morale is high, with teachers feeling supported and valued, contributing to a positive and collaborative working environment.
The school environment is described as happy, calm, and orderly, with pupils exhibiting polite behavior and a strong desire to learn. Trusting relationships between staff and pupils foster a positive attitude towards learning, and pupils demonstrate resilience and pride in their achievements. The emphasis on outdoor learning has proven beneficial, with pupils expressing enjoyment in learning outside, which enhances their concentration and creativity.
Parental feedback through Ofsted's online survey indicates strong support for the school and its leadership. Parents appreciate the care and support their children receive, as well as the variety of extracurricular opportunities available. The school’s commitment to equality and inclusion is recognized and valued by parents, who note the accessibility of staff and the welcoming atmosphere.
The school has successfully addressed previous inspection recommendations, leading to good progress across various subjects. While there is some inconsistency in achievement expectations across classes, the overall performance of pupils has improved, with rising standards in reading, writing, and mathematics. The leadership team conducts thorough checks on pupil progress, which inform school improvement strategies. Improvement plans include clear milestones for success, allowing for effective evaluation of actions taken.
Leaders at all levels are well-informed and provide effective training and support to colleagues, positively impacting pupil achievement. The curriculum has been enriched, offering pupils engaging and creative learning experiences. However, there is recognition that further development is needed to ensure depth in learning and challenge for all pupils.
Safeguarding measures are effective, with a strong culture of safety within the school. Staff are well-trained and aware of their responsibilities, ensuring that pupils feel safe and supported. Parents and staff agree on the effectiveness of safeguarding practices, with pupils expressing confidence in seeking help from adults when needed.
The inspection focused on key aspects of the school's work, including pupil progress in mathematics, spelling, writing, grammar, and punctuation skills, as well as the effectiveness of governance. The leadership team is aware of the need to address any gender gaps in mathematics and has implemented strategies to ensure equitable progress for all pupils. The curriculum is continuously being refined to enhance learning opportunities and challenge for all groups.
Governance is effective, with governors being knowledgeable and providing a balance of support and challenge to school leaders. They reflect on their effectiveness and ensure that all statutory duties are met. The next steps for the school involve further developing the curriculum to promote greater depth in knowledge and skills for all pupils. Overall, the inspection highlights the school's commitment to continuous improvement and the well-being of its pupils.
