Hempstead Junior School has been recognized as a good school following its recent inspection on March 6 and 7, 2024. The pupils at Hempstead Junior School exhibit a high level of enthusiasm and pride in their school, actively engaging in their learning and adhering to the school's expectations. The school fosters a strong understanding of rights and responsibilities among its students, which is evident in the collaborative atmosphere of its open-plan classrooms. This environment encourages pupils to focus on their learning while being considerate of their peers.
The academic performance of the students meets the school's high expectations, with most pupils participating actively in lessons and demonstrating perseverance in the face of challenges. The school has made significant adjustments to its curriculum to address the needs of pupils who have struggled to engage, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. This tailored approach has been effective in re-engaging students and enhancing their learning experiences.
Hempstead Junior School offers a diverse range of enriching activities that complement the academic curriculum. Pupils have opportunities to showcase their artwork in local exhibitions and contribute to the school community through initiatives like peer mediation during break times. The school has a clear vision for education and has carefully reviewed its curriculum to ensure it is enriching and progressively challenging for students. However, there are a few subjects where further refinement is needed to clarify learning objectives and ensure consistent progress.
Teachers at the school receive strong support to develop their expertise, which enables them to explain concepts clearly and identify pupils who may need additional assistance. This support is particularly beneficial for disadvantaged pupils, helping them achieve well. However, in some less developed subjects, there is a lack of clarity regarding what pupils need to learn, which can hinder teachers' ability to provide targeted support.
Most pupils entering Year 3 are on track with their reading, and the school effectively nurtures their love for reading through exposure to increasingly complex texts. However, a small number of pupils, including those with special educational needs, may not receive the most effective support, leading to gaps in their phonics knowledge. The school recognizes the need to enhance support for these pupils to ensure they become fluent readers.
The school has established a robust program for personal development, providing pupils with opportunities to perform and engage with the local community. Pupils participate in various activities, including inter-school sports events and musical performances, which help them develop a range of talents and interests. The behavior of pupils is commendable, with a culture of politeness and respect prevailing throughout the school. Most pupils attend regularly, and the school takes proactive measures to support those with lower attendance.
Staff members feel well-supported in their roles, with the school actively engaging with teachers to identify areas for professional development. The governing body plays a crucial role in ensuring that the school provides a strong educational experience for its pupils. The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all students.
To improve further, the school needs to ensure that assessment information is utilized effectively to support the lowest attaining readers and that the curriculum in certain subjects is refined to enhance specificity and depth of knowledge. Overall, Hempstead Junior School continues to provide a good educational experience for its pupils, with a commitment to ongoing improvement and development.
