Monkton Junior School underwent a short inspection on May 1, 2019, which was the first since being rated as good in April 2015. The inspection confirmed that the school continues to maintain its good status. The leadership team has effectively upheld the quality of education despite a recent period of instability. Since Mr. Steve Bowler's appointment as principal, significant improvements have been made, positively reshaping the school's values and ethos. The school is now described as a happy place for learning, with motivated staff delivering engaging lessons. Pupil feedback highlights the supportive environment, with one student noting that staff genuinely care and assist in their learning.
In 2018, the school saw an above-average proportion of pupils achieving the expected standards in reading, writing, and mathematics at the end of key stage 2, marking a notable improvement. The focus on teaching essential skills has positively impacted pupil attainment. The leadership is committed to broadening the curriculum, which is beginning to yield results in pupil enjoyment and attendance. Pupils expressed enthusiasm for various learning opportunities, including educational trips and performances, which have fostered a sense of community and pride.
The leadership team has a clear understanding of the school's strengths and areas for improvement, particularly in reading, where progress has been slower compared to mathematics and writing. Plans are in place to address this, and recent data indicates marked improvement in current pupils' reading attainment. Staff appreciate the professional development provided, which has enhanced their teaching practices. Pupil feedback indicates that teachers effectively support their learning, particularly through constructive feedback.
The school has made strides in promoting cultural diversity and inclusivity, with pupils expressing respect for different cultures and beliefs. The leadership prioritizes pupil well-being, offering various activities to promote health, including sports clubs and healthy eating initiatives. The daily mile activity has been well-received, contributing to pupils' physical health and enjoyment.
Safeguarding measures are robust, with effective training ensuring staff are well-prepared to respond to concerns. The school maintains thorough records and has implemented rigorous vetting processes for new staff. Parents express high satisfaction with the school's safety measures and the care provided by staff.
Attendance has improved significantly, with leaders implementing strategies to encourage good attendance habits from the start. Parents are more informed about their children's attendance, contributing to a decrease in absence rates. The school community is supportive of the principal's leadership, noting improvements in communication and overall school environment.
While progress in core subjects has been variable, the leadership acknowledges the need for continued focus on reading, particularly for pupils with special educational needs and those with middle prior attainment. Recent changes to the curriculum are being embedded, aiming to enhance links between subjects and engage pupils more effectively in their learning.
Next steps for the school include ensuring that reading instruction continues to improve, particularly for underperforming groups, and that assessment information is used effectively to support all pupils. The leadership is committed to embedding recent curriculum changes to foster a more integrated learning experience across subjects. Overall, the inspection findings reflect a school that is making significant strides in improving educational outcomes and fostering a positive learning environment.
