Ofsted conducted a short inspection of Thames Ditton Junior School on 6 March 2018, following its previous judgment of good in March 2014. The inspection confirmed that the school continues to provide a good quality of education. The leadership team has effectively maintained this standard, fostering a vibrant learning community characterized by a nurturing environment. Parents and carers expressed appreciation for the friendly and approachable staff, highlighting the school's warm atmosphere where children thrive. The school’s motto, “A place to learn, a place to grow,” reflects its commitment to providing quality education.
The leadership has established a clear direction, enabling staff and governors to collaborate effectively for the benefit of pupils. The school promotes core values such as determination, respect, and honesty, which are evident in the rich curriculum that inspires students. High-quality displays of pupils' artwork throughout the school showcase the depth of teaching and the development of their talents. Pupils exhibit excellent behavior in various settings, and staff demonstrate a thorough understanding of individual needs, ensuring social and academic progress.
The school leadership, along with governors, possesses a comprehensive understanding of the school's strengths and areas for improvement. They have implemented a peer observation program to enhance teaching quality, allowing staff to learn from one another. Pupils report enjoying school, appreciating the stimulating curriculum and diverse extracurricular activities. They feel safe and valued, with adults addressing their concerns seriously. The school has successfully addressed previous areas for improvement, fostering a culture of self-reflection among teachers.
However, challenges remain, particularly in mathematics, where girls need to make more progress. The 2017 national tests indicated that disadvantaged pupils in Year 6 did not perform as well as their peers. The leadership is actively working to address these disparities, although the current tracking system for pupil outcomes does not effectively demonstrate in-year progress, making it difficult to identify when intervention is necessary.
Safeguarding measures are robust, with staff trained to recognize and respond to potential risks. The designated safeguarding lead ensures that concerns are followed up appropriately, and all visitors are thoroughly vetted. The majority of parents agree that their children are happy, safe, and well cared for at school. Pupils are knowledgeable about safety, particularly regarding technology, and they understand the school’s values, which support their personal development.
The inspection focused on specific areas, including the outcomes for girls in mathematics and the provision for disadvantaged pupils. The mathematics curriculum has been reorganized to enhance learning opportunities, and teachers are skilled at addressing misconceptions. While there is evidence of improved participation among girls, some pupils still require more challenging work to reach their full potential. The leadership has taken steps to ensure that disadvantaged pupils receive the support they need, although tracking their progress remains a challenge.
Overall, Thames Ditton Junior School has built on its previous strengths to maintain a good quality of education. The leadership team is committed to continuous improvement, providing professional development for staff and ensuring accountability for pupil outcomes. The next steps involve ensuring that all pupils receive appropriate challenges in mathematics and establishing effective systems for tracking progress.