Christ Church Church of England Junior School in Ramsgate has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on November 9 and 10, 2021. The school fosters a nurturing environment where pupils demonstrate genuine compassion for one another, embodying the Christian values of care, share, love, and learn. Students express enjoyment in attending school and form strong friendships, feeling a sense of belonging within the school community. Feedback from staff, parents, and carers indicates that pupils feel safe, and they trust adults to address any concerns, including instances of bullying, which are managed promptly.
Pupils exhibit positive behavior in lessons and throughout the school, taking pride in their responsibilities, such as serving as online safety ambassadors and school librarians. Their enthusiasm for learning is evident, particularly in reading, where they develop a love for books and actively engage with the school library. The curriculum is designed to integrate reading and mathematical skills across various subjects, enhancing pupils' understanding. The school's displays effectively outline the knowledge and skills pupils are expected to acquire, generating excitement about their learning journey.
The leadership team has established a meaningful curriculum that connects different subjects, allowing pupils to relate prior knowledge to new concepts. The school's learning journey displays provide clarity on what pupils learn in each year group, further stimulating their interest. Teachers possess a solid understanding of their subjects and encourage pupils to build on existing knowledge, facilitating reviews at the end of each topic to reinforce learning.
While the school has made significant strides, there are areas for improvement. Leaders recognize a disconnect between the current assessment system and the curriculum, and they are actively working to align the two. The school has adapted its curriculum to help pupils recover from learning losses experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring that all students, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, receive appropriate support.
Pupils engage in various enriching experiences, including trips to local sites, which help them connect with their community and contextualize their learning. They reflect thoughtfully on their beliefs and respect the beliefs of others, as demonstrated in discussions about historical events and cultural practices. The support for pupils with special educational needs is robust, with teachers adapting lessons to meet individual needs, resulting in comparable progress across the curriculum.
Staff members feel valued and supported in managing their workload, and governors play an active role in monitoring the implementation of improvement plans. The school's safeguarding measures are effective, creating a culture of safety where pupils feel secure. Staff are trained to identify and assist pupils in need, and the school maintains strong connections with external agencies for additional support.
In summary, Christ Church Church of England Junior School continues to provide a good educational experience for its pupils, characterized by a supportive environment, a well-structured curriculum, and effective leadership. The school is committed to ongoing improvement, particularly in aligning assessment practices with the curriculum to enhance pupil learning outcomes.
