Avenue Junior School, located on Avenue Road in Norwich, Norfolk, has been recognized for its overall effectiveness as a good school following an inspection conducted on March 27-28, 2019. The leadership and management of the school have shown significant improvement since the last inspection, particularly in the area of mathematics. The headteacher and deputy headteacher work closely together, demonstrating a strong partnership that has effectively guided the school through a transitional period in leadership. Their reflective practices following previous inspections have led to proactive measures that have resulted in rapid improvements in teaching quality, pupil attendance, and the attainment of disadvantaged pupils.
The school has implemented a high-quality professional development program for teachers, ensuring that effective teaching strategies in mathematics are well-embedded. The curriculum is broad, with a strong emphasis on the arts, and all pupils receive specialist music tuition, with many learning to play an instrument. This focus on cultural activities enriches the pupils' educational experiences. Teachers are successful in engaging pupils in subjects like history and geography, encouraging them to apply their knowledge and vocabulary in various contexts.
Pupil behavior is commendable, with students collaborating effectively in class, especially in mathematics, where they discuss ideas and support one another in problem-solving. Disadvantaged pupils, who previously faced challenges in attainment and progress, have benefited from targeted support, leading to a reduction in the attainment gap. The pastoral team and school leaders have worked diligently to improve attendance, which has seen a positive rise.
While some classes demonstrate strong progress in writing due to effective teaching sequences, others lag behind, indicating a need for greater consistency in writing instruction across the school. Handwriting and presentation quality vary, with some teachers not maintaining high enough expectations for pupils' work presentation.
To further enhance the quality of teaching and learning, the school aims to ensure consistency in writing instruction and improve the quality of pupils' handwriting and presentation. The leadership team has conducted a thorough self-evaluation, identifying strengths and areas for improvement, and they remain ambitious for continued progress.
The governance of the school has also undergone significant improvement, with governors actively seeking external support to enhance their monitoring of standards. They are now more challenging to school leaders and take a keen interest in data presented by the school. Individual governors have specific areas of responsibility and conduct monitoring visits to assess improvements.
Safeguarding measures are effective, with staff well-trained and informed about procedures. The school promotes a culture of vigilance, ensuring that concerns are addressed promptly. The pastoral team collaborates with external agencies to provide additional support for pupils, and parents have expressed confidence in the school's safeguarding practices.
The quality of teaching, learning, and assessment is rated as good. Teachers collaborate across year groups to share best practices, ensuring a consistent level of challenge for pupils. In mathematics, there is a strong emphasis on reasoning and application of skills, with daily fluency sessions to support learning. In English, high-quality texts are used to develop reading skills, and additional support is provided for pupils with weaker phonics knowledge.
Pupils' personal development and welfare are prioritized, with opportunities for reflection and philosophical discussions. The school fosters an understanding of diversity and promotes moral responsibility among pupils. They are encouraged to participate in various groups, enhancing their citizenship skills and understanding of British values.
Overall, Avenue Junior School has made significant strides in improving educational outcomes for its pupils. The focus on professional development, a broad curriculum, and effective leadership has contributed to a positive learning environment where pupils are engaged and supported in their academic and personal growth. The school is committed to continuous improvement, ensuring that all pupils, including those who are disadvantaged or have special educational needs, receive the support they need to succeed.
