Shaftesbury Junior School in Leicester has been rated as good in its recent inspection, reflecting significant improvements since its previous inspection, which required improvement. The school is characterized by a positive and supportive environment where pupils feel safe and enjoy their learning experiences. The school fosters a family-like atmosphere, and students express high levels of satisfaction, with one pupil stating it is the best school they have attended. The staff at Shaftesbury Junior School prioritize the personal development of pupils and maintain high expectations for their behavior and academic performance. The school's character values are well integrated into daily activities, and pupils demonstrate positive attitudes towards their work and peers.
Pupils exhibit good behavior, showing politeness and respect towards one another. They understand the importance of equality and diversity, celebrating the various cultural and ethnic backgrounds represented within the school community. Parents and carers have expressed overwhelming positivity about the school, particularly appreciating the supportive atmosphere and the range of extracurricular activities available to students.
The leadership team has made commendable efforts in reviewing and enhancing the curriculum, establishing an ambitious and multicultural framework that considers the diverse backgrounds of pupils. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in ensuring that the key knowledge required in some subjects is clearly defined. This has occasionally led to confusion among pupils regarding their learning objectives, particularly in subjects like history.
Reading is a significant focus at Shaftesbury Junior School, with a consistent approach to teaching that begins as soon as pupils join the school. Staff provide targeted support for those who fall behind, ensuring that phonics sessions are available to help pupils develop their reading skills. The school promotes a strong reading culture, valuing books and celebrating authors, which contributes to pupils developing the necessary skills for future learning.
Mathematics is another subject where the curriculum is well-structured, allowing pupils to build their understanding progressively. Teachers frequently check pupils' learning and provide support when needed, which helps students feel confident in their abilities. The school is also proactive in identifying and supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they have access to the full curriculum and receive strong support from teachers.
The school promotes a culture of respect and effectively addresses issues of equality and diversity. Pupils have a solid understanding of different faiths and British values, although there is some inconsistency in their knowledge of these values. Pupils take pride in their roles within the school, such as eco-councillors and peer mediators, and they are knowledgeable about healthy eating and fitness.
Governors and local authority representatives are well-informed about the school's strengths and areas for improvement. They support the leadership team in developing the curriculum and engage positively with staff, considering their workload and well-being. The school has established effective safeguarding arrangements, ensuring a strong culture of care and support for vulnerable pupils. Staff are trained to recognize and address safeguarding concerns promptly, and pupils are educated on how to stay safe, including online safety.
While the school has made significant strides, there is still work to be done in refining the curriculum to ensure clarity in what pupils need to learn across all subjects. Leaders are actively working on this and are expected to complete the review process within their identified timeline. Overall, Shaftesbury Junior School demonstrates a commitment to continuous improvement and the well-being of its pupils.
