Ofsted conducted a short inspection of Faringdon Junior School on 8 March 2018, following its previous judgment of good in January 2014. The inspection confirmed that the school continues to maintain a good quality of education. Since Mrs. Sharon Farrell's appointment as headteacher in September 2017, she has successfully built trust and respect among staff, parents, and the community, addressing previous instability and enhancing morale. Her leadership has united the school community, and stakeholders have expressed high regard for her calm and supportive approach.
The school environment is positive, with pupils demonstrating good behavior and respect. They engage confidently with visitors and appreciate the support from their teachers. The curriculum is well-received, particularly in reading, and pupils have shown strong performance in key stage assessments, especially in grammar, punctuation, spelling, writing, and mathematics. Disadvantaged pupils are also achieving well, often surpassing their peers in certain subjects. Current pupils continue to make good progress, reflecting the effective leadership and teaching strategies in place.
The inspection highlighted that teaching is improving, with some exemplary practices observed. However, there is a need for more opportunities for pupils to develop reasoning skills and problem-solving abilities in mathematics. The leadership team has effectively addressed previous areas for improvement, and the introduction of new assessment systems and a revised curriculum has strengthened the educational framework. Nonetheless, there are concerns regarding the depth of learning in subjects beyond English and mathematics, as some work lacks sufficient challenge.
Safeguarding practices at the school are robust, with staff well-informed about procedures and vigilant in monitoring pupils' well-being. The pastoral care leader plays a crucial role in supporting families and addressing any concerns. Pupils feel safe and report that any issues, including bullying, are promptly resolved by teachers. The school has established strong relationships with external agencies to ensure comprehensive support for pupils.
The inspection findings indicated that while overall attendance is in line with national averages, persistent absence remains a concern. The school has implemented measures to improve attendance, including rewards for good attendance and prompt follow-up on absences. Leaders have a clear understanding of the school's strengths and areas for development, with plans in place to sustain high attainment levels.
Next steps for the school include enhancing monitoring of pupils' work to ensure quality and presentation across all subjects, embedding the new curriculum, and refining learning tasks to promote deeper learning. Additionally, there is a focus on providing more opportunities for pupils to engage in problem-solving and reasoning in mathematics. Overall, the inspection affirmed the school's commitment to continuous improvement and the well-being of its pupils.
