Chadsmoor Church of England Voluntary Controlled Junior School has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on February 14 and 15, 2023. The school fosters a positive environment where both pupils and staff enjoy achieving together. Students express happiness in their learning experiences, attributing this to the caring nature of their teachers. The school promotes kindness among pupils, who play and learn collaboratively. Older students take responsibility for younger ones, contributing to a safe and supportive atmosphere where bullying is addressed promptly.
The leadership team maintains high expectations for pupil behavior, implementing an effective behavior management system that encourages exceptional conduct in classrooms and throughout the school. Pupils are familiar with the school rules and actively seek to earn rewards for positive behavior. While some students may struggle with behavior management, staff provide necessary support to ensure that learning remains uninterrupted for others.
Chadsmoor offers a variety of engaging opportunities for pupils, including a whole-school trip to Llandudno and regular Fitness Fridays, which introduce students to new activities such as circus skills and archery. Pupils are encouraged to take on significant roles within the school, such as peer mentors and members of the worship committee, fostering a sense of responsibility and citizenship.
The school has developed an ambitious curriculum that caters to all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Leaders have clearly defined the essential knowledge that pupils need to acquire and have structured this information into manageable steps. This approach enables students to build their knowledge progressively. For instance, the concept of invasion is introduced in Year 3 through the study of the Romans, with subsequent years expanding on this knowledge in relation to societal impacts and historical contexts.
Staff regularly assess pupil understanding and provide timely feedback to facilitate improvement. Teachers create numerous opportunities for students to revisit and practice skills, ensuring they possess the foundational knowledge required for new content. While leaders effectively monitor learning in core subjects like mathematics and reading, there is still work to be done in developing assessment systems for some foundation subjects to identify learning gaps.
Instruction is delivered clearly, with lessons structured in a way that helps pupils understand expectations. This clarity contributes to their confidence as learners. Support is provided to ensure all pupils can access the same curriculum, and those with special educational needs achieve well. However, some pupils face challenges in handwriting, which affects their writing fluency. Additionally, there is a need for teachers to reinforce handwriting skills across all subjects.
The reading curriculum is well-structured, with teachers utilizing a commercial reading scheme to enhance fluency. Early readers receive targeted support, and diverse reading materials are introduced to stimulate interest. Pupils enjoy engaging with new books, which fosters a love for reading.
Personal development is prioritized through the curriculum and additional programs. The school emphasizes values such as compassion, and pupils benefit from pastoral support initiatives like Mindful Monday. While there is a strong culture of respect, pupils require more exposure to various faiths and cultures to better prepare them for life in modern Britain.
Governors are aware of the school's strengths and areas for improvement, actively challenging leaders to enhance educational quality. Staff express pride in their work environment, appreciating the support provided for their well-being and workload management.
The safeguarding measures in place are effective, with staff trained to recognize and report concerns regarding pupil safety. Pupils are educated on online safety and encouraged to communicate any issues to trusted adults. Overall, while the school demonstrates many strengths, there are areas identified for further development, particularly in assessment practices and cultural education.
