Jerome Primary School, located in Norton Canes, Cannock, Staffordshire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on February 2 and 3, 2023. The school fosters a strong sense of teamwork among staff, pupils, and parents, who all take pride in being part of the Jerome community. Pupils demonstrate a positive attitude towards their learning and engage actively in various subjects. However, some students struggle to retain information, which affects their ability to connect prior knowledge with new concepts.
The leadership at Jerome Primary School sets high expectations for behavior, and this is reflected in the positive relationships modeled by adults. Pupils feel safe and happy, knowing they can seek help from numerous staff members. Incidents of bullying are addressed promptly and effectively, ensuring a supportive environment. The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including roles such as head boy and girl, and lunchtime monitors, which pupils embrace with pride. After-school clubs, such as football and choir, are also popular among students.
Reading is a priority at Jerome Primary School, with recent staff training enhancing the teaching of phonics. From early years, pupils benefit from structured teaching and high-quality resources. Phonics assessments are utilized effectively to monitor pupil progress, allowing teachers to identify those needing additional support. This targeted assistance helps students develop into confident and fluent readers, and they express enthusiasm about the books they read.
The curriculum at Jerome Primary School is ambitious and designed to ensure all pupils acquire essential skills and knowledge. While some subjects have clearly defined learning objectives, others lack precision in outlining key knowledge. Teachers plan engaging activities, but there is a need for clarity regarding the learning outcomes of these tasks. For instance, while pupils may remember using maps to identify countries, they often do not recall the specific knowledge gained from the activity.
The school effectively identifies pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, providing well-planned support that balances assistance with opportunities for independence. This approach enables these pupils to access the curriculum and achieve commendable outcomes. In some subjects, assessment practices are strong, but there is inconsistency across the board. Leaders must ensure that all teachers accurately assess pupil understanding to identify and address learning gaps effectively.
Pupils exhibit commendable behavior both in class and during playtime, demonstrating positive attitudes towards their education. They understand the importance of rules and respond well to any behavioral incidents. The nurturing relationships established between pupils and staff begin in early years and continue throughout their time at the school. Leaders provide numerous opportunities for pupils to broaden their understanding of the world through well-organized activities, emphasizing the significance of hard work in their education.
Staff at Jerome Primary School feel well-supported by their leaders, who prioritize their professional development and well-being. The governing body is actively involved, offering both support and challenge to school leaders. Safeguarding measures are effective, with staff trained to recognize and report concerns promptly. The school’s curriculum also educates pupils on safety, including online safety.
To improve further, leaders need to ensure that key knowledge and skills are clearly defined across all subjects. This clarity will help teachers plan lessons that focus on essential learning outcomes. Additionally, leaders should continue to support teachers in assessing pupil knowledge accurately to address any gaps in learning effectively. Overall, Jerome Primary School continues to provide a positive educational experience for its pupils, fostering a supportive and engaging learning environment.
