Colebrook Junior School, located in Swindon, Wiltshire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on March 11-12, 2020. The school is characterized by a positive atmosphere where pupils express their love for attending school and feel safe. They are engaged in their learning and are encouraged to work hard, contributing to a culture of enthusiasm and pride among both students and staff. The school promotes its ‘STAR’ qualities, which help pupils develop into responsible citizens.
Pupils enjoy a variety of subjects, particularly mathematics and geography, and appreciate the numerous educational trips available to them, such as a recent visit to a local renewable energy provider. The school offers a range of extracurricular clubs, including Zumba and Dodgeball, which are well-attended and contribute to a vibrant school community. Behaviour in the school is commendable, with pupils getting along well and staff effectively managing any instances of poor behaviour, resulting in rare occurrences of bullying. The trusting relationships between pupils and staff are highly valued, particularly the additional support provided to help students succeed.
Parents and carers commend the welcoming and caring environment fostered by the school. The staff maintain high expectations for all pupils, including those who are disadvantaged or have special educational needs and disabilities. The leadership team, under the headteacher's guidance, has developed an ambitious curriculum that is well-organized across most subjects, allowing pupils to build their knowledge and skills progressively. The mathematics curriculum, in particular, is noted for its strong leadership and design, enabling pupils to tackle challenging problems confidently.
While the school has many strengths, there are areas for improvement. Leaders recognize the need for a coherent and sequential approach to teaching scientific inquiry, as the current curriculum does not effectively build on pupils' prior knowledge. This gap hinders their ability to develop essential scientific skills. Additionally, in geography, leaders have yet to monitor the effectiveness of curriculum delivery, which limits their understanding of pupil learning in this subject.
Teachers and teaching assistants collaborate effectively, sharing resources and ideas, which contributes to a supportive working environment. Staff feel trusted and appreciate the leadership's efforts to reduce their workload. Pupils with special educational needs demonstrate positive attitudes towards their learning, particularly in mathematics, thanks to the tailored support provided by knowledgeable staff.
The school also emphasizes the importance of personal and social skills, with pupils demonstrating an understanding of physical and mental health and environmental care. They take pride in their roles, such as the ‘Helping Hands’ initiative, which fosters a sense of responsibility and community.
Governors play a crucial role as critical friends to the leadership team, holding them accountable and ensuring the school maintains its strengths. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with a strong culture prioritizing the safety and welfare of children. Staff are well-trained to address any concerns swiftly and appropriately, collaborating with external agencies when necessary.
In summary, Colebrook Junior School continues to provide a good education, with a strong emphasis on pupil well-being, engagement, and achievement. However, addressing the identified areas for improvement in the curriculum will be essential for further enhancing the quality of education provided to all pupils.