Ofsted conducted a short inspection of West Earlham Junior School on 16 July 2019, following its previous judgment of good in January 2016. The inspection confirmed that the school continues to maintain a good quality of education. The leadership team has effectively upheld the positive environment, with parents expressing satisfaction regarding the care their children receive and the overall enjoyment of school life. Staff are seen as approachable and experienced, contributing to a strong sense of community within the school. Pupils are polite, confident in discussing their learning, and express that their teachers inspire them.
The governing body is well-informed and actively involved in the school’s operations. Governors monitor educational quality and are engaged with school initiatives, such as the Hive, the school-led inclusion unit. They have a clear understanding of the school’s strengths and areas for improvement, demonstrating high aspirations for both the school and its pupils.
Since the last inspection, the school has made notable progress, particularly in reading and mathematics, despite a high proportion of disadvantaged pupils. Additional funding is utilized effectively to support these students, ensuring they achieve well by the time they leave. The school has focused on enhancing writing skills, which has shown positive results, particularly in Year 6. However, inconsistencies in teachers’ expectations have led to some pupils, especially the most able, not reaching their full potential.
During the inspection, the transition morning provided an opportunity to observe strong teaching practices and the establishment of positive relationships between staff and new pupils. Year 6 students feel well-prepared for their transition to high school, and there is a noticeable improvement in behavior across the school, with parents expressing confidence in the staff’s ability to support their children’s growth.
Safeguarding measures are effective, with all staff aware of their responsibilities. The school has robust procedures for reporting concerns and collaborates with local agencies to ensure pupil safety. The premises are well-maintained, and pupils feel secure and supervised during their time at school. The anti-bullying ambassadors are proactive, and pupils are educated on safety, including online safety.
The inspection findings highlighted that while pupils are making good progress in reading and mathematics, writing remains an area needing attention. The school has prioritized writing development, and evidence suggests improvements in grammar, punctuation, and spelling. However, there are still inconsistencies in teaching practices across classes. The most able pupils have historically not made as much progress in writing and mathematics as in reading, but efforts are being made to address this through better planning and engagement in challenging activities.
The school provides good support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, with a knowledgeable SENCo ensuring that individual needs are met effectively. The Hive has been established to support pupils with social and emotional difficulties, leading to a significant decrease in exclusions. Overall, the school has made strides in improving attendance and behavior, with rates now aligning with national averages.
Next steps for the school include ensuring greater consistency in learning expectations among staff and continuing to develop strategies to support the most able pupils to reach their full potential. The inspection concluded with a positive outlook on the school’s progress and commitment to improvement.
