Moulsham Junior School, located in Chelmsford, Essex, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on November 14 and 15, 2023. Under the leadership of headteacher Marie Staley, the school operates as a single academy trust, overseen by a board of trustees chaired by Mike Faulconbridge. The school fosters a positive environment where pupils embody the ‘Moulsham rights’—the right to learn, to be safe, and to respect. This ethos is reflected in the high expectations set for both learning and behavior, leading to enthusiastic engagement from pupils regarding their educational activities.
Pupils feel secure and attend regularly, benefiting from a culture that encourages them to voice any concerns. The school emphasizes respect and inclusivity, promoting awareness of diversity through its curriculum. This focus is evident in the respectful interactions among pupils and between pupils and staff. The school offers numerous opportunities for learning beyond the classroom, including educational visits and various extracurricular clubs. Leadership roles such as head boy and girl and school councillors are available, allowing pupils to develop their leadership skills.
The curriculum at Moulsham Junior School is ambitious, broad, and well-structured, enabling pupils to build knowledge and skills progressively. Teachers possess strong subject knowledge, which enhances the delivery of engaging lessons. As a result, pupils achieve well across most subjects. The school prioritizes reading, ensuring that pupils are exposed to a diverse range of literature. Those needing additional support in reading are quickly identified and assisted, leading to high achievement levels in this area.
In other subjects, teachers regularly assess pupil progress and provide constructive feedback, encouraging self-reflection and improvement. However, in mathematics, there is a noted need for more opportunities for pupils to practice reasoning skills, particularly for those with special educational needs and disabilities. This gap indicates that some pupils may not reach their full potential in mathematics.
The school has effectively trained staff to identify and support pupils with special educational needs, ensuring that appropriate resources are allocated. Regular reviews of support plans help tailor assistance to individual needs, allowing these pupils to access the same learning opportunities as their peers. The school promotes a culture of sharing, supporting, striving, and succeeding, which is evident in the respectful attitudes of pupils towards learning and each other.
Moulsham Junior School's commitment to inclusivity and diversity is a significant strength, with initiatives like the diversity wall showcasing pupils' understanding of respect. Opportunities for discussing moral and ethical issues further enhance their awareness of broader societal topics. Pupils take pride in their leadership roles and actively contribute to the community, exemplified by initiatives such as a community pantry.
The school leadership is responsive to staff feedback regarding workload and well-being, fostering a supportive environment. The board of governors plays an active role in school governance, demonstrating a clear understanding of the school's strengths and areas for improvement. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils.
To enhance its performance, the school must ensure that all pupils have a solid grasp of essential mathematical knowledge to tackle complex problems. Leaders are tasked with verifying that pupils are secure in their foundational mathematics skills, enabling them to recall and apply this knowledge effectively. Overall, Moulsham Junior School continues to provide a high-quality education, with a strong emphasis on respect, inclusivity, and academic achievement.
