Fleetville Junior School, located in St Albans, Hertfordshire, has recently undergone an inspection by Ofsted, which took place on November 21 and 22, 2023. The school has been rated as good overall, with outstanding ratings in behavior and attitudes, as well as personal development. The quality of education has also been rated as good, while leadership and management received a good rating as well. This inspection marks the first time Fleetville Junior School has been evaluated under the current framework since it became an academy in June 2012.
The headteacher, Clare Whitehouse, leads the school, which is part of the Spiral Partnership Trust. The trust is overseen by CEO Marcus Cooper and a board of trustees chaired by Robin Douglas. The school has a strong sense of community, with pupils expressing pride in their school and a commitment to celebrating each other's successes. The atmosphere is characterized by kindness, respect, and consideration among both pupils and staff, contributing to a safe and enthusiastic learning environment.
Pupils at Fleetville Junior School demonstrate exceptional behavior, adhering to high expectations set by the staff. They engage actively in their learning, producing high-quality work across various subjects. The school effectively supports all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they achieve well. The curriculum is ambitious and well-structured, allowing knowledge to build progressively on what pupils have previously learned. However, some subjects require further refinement to ensure that the precise knowledge pupils need to learn is clearly identified.
Reading is prioritized throughout the school, with core books selected for each year group that reinforce knowledge across subjects. Teachers regularly assess pupils' reading abilities and provide targeted support to address any gaps, fostering the development of fluent and confident readers. The vocabulary taught is challenging, enhancing pupils' language skills and comprehension of complex texts.
The school offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, catering for diverse interests, including clubs focused on journalism and fencing. Additionally, pupils enjoy caring for a growing number of animals at the school, which adds to their personal development experiences. The school promotes personal growth through well-planned activities that help pupils understand their place in the world and make informed decisions.
The leadership team, including the trust and governors, collaborates closely to ensure the school meets its goals and values. They provide support for staff well-being and workload management, fostering a positive working environment. The safeguarding arrangements in place are effective, ensuring the safety and welfare of all pupils.
Despite the school's many strengths, there are areas for improvement. Specifically, the school needs to ensure that in all subjects, the knowledge that pupils should learn is precisely identified and broken down into smaller components. This will enable teachers to plan lessons that build towards a deeper understanding of more complex concepts.
Overall, Fleetville Junior School is a thriving educational institution that prioritizes the well-being and development of its pupils. The positive environment, strong leadership, and commitment to high standards contribute to the school's success, while ongoing refinements to the curriculum will further enhance the educational experience for all students.
