Herne Bay Junior School, located in Kent, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on January 28 and 29, 2020. The school fosters a positive environment where pupils feel safe, happy, and motivated to learn. The students exhibit good behavior throughout the school day, responding well to the high expectations set by their teachers. Relationships among pupils and staff are characterized by mutual respect, contributing to a supportive atmosphere.
Pupils appreciate the support they receive from staff, particularly from the Director of Mental Health and Wellbeing, who is available for discussions about any concerns. The presence of peer mentors further enhances the support system, allowing students to seek help when feeling unhappy. The school has effectively educated pupils about bullying, including online bullying, and incidents are rare. Pupils express confidence that any bullying will be addressed promptly by adults, which contributes to their sense of security.
The curriculum at Herne Bay Junior School is well-structured, providing a logical progression of skills and knowledge across subjects. For instance, in Year 3, pupils develop a solid understanding of multiplication, which aids their learning in division in Year 4. Most pupils achieve well in various subjects, although there are areas where retention and application of knowledge could improve. Some Year 6 pupils struggle to recall their experiences with fair testing in science, indicating a need for enhanced reinforcement of learned concepts.
Teachers at the school possess strong subject knowledge and utilize diverse resources to facilitate learning. They regularly assess pupils' understanding through questioning, which helps ensure that students build a secure foundation in most subjects. The ongoing training and support provided by curriculum leaders are appreciated by teachers, who feel supported in managing their workloads.
The school places a strong emphasis on reading, ensuring that all pupils receive a solid start in Year 3. Well-trained staff assist those who need to catch up, and the reading program is structured effectively. Pupils are encouraged to explore a variety of books, and the well-stocked library plays a significant role in fostering a love for reading.
Mental health and well-being are prioritized at Herne Bay Junior School, with staff providing high levels of pastoral care. This focus helps pupils develop self-esteem, resilience, and confidence. Respectful relationships are evident throughout the school, contributing to a positive learning environment where pupils can thrive.
The school enriches the curriculum through various activities, including workshops with local galleries and theatre productions that enhance learning in subjects like English. Pupils also have numerous opportunities to participate in sports, both locally and nationally, with efforts made to ensure disadvantaged pupils can access these activities.
Safeguarding measures are effective, with staff trained to recognize signs of potential harm and to follow procedures for reporting concerns. The school maintains thorough records and collaborates with external agencies to support vulnerable children and their families.
While the school has established a solid curriculum, there is a need for improvement in providing more opportunities for pupils to practice and retain important knowledge and skills. Leaders are encouraged to ensure that the curriculum allows for sufficient reinforcement of learning to enhance overall pupil achievement.
