Ofsted conducted a short inspection of Coteford Junior School on 22 May 2019, following its previous judgment of good in June 2015. The inspection confirmed that the school continues to maintain a good quality of education. The leadership team, under Miss Joanna Martin, has fostered a welcoming and nurturing environment where pupils feel happy and engaged. Attendance is good, and pupils enjoy their time at school. Senior leaders have effectively addressed previous areas for improvement and are committed to enhancing pupil outcomes. They have established plans to further develop the school, recognizing the need for initiatives to be fully embedded and monitored for maximum impact. Governors play an active role, providing support and challenge to the school.
Parents expressed strong support for the school, with many praising the wide-ranging provision available. Feedback from Ofsted’s online survey indicated that the majority of parents are positive about their children's experiences. Staff also reported high levels of satisfaction, noting effective leadership and management. Collaboration among teachers to improve teaching quality is evident, although opportunities for professional development with outstanding providers are limited.
During the inspection, pupils demonstrated good behavior and respect. They were confident in sharing their thoughts and experiences, highlighting a positive school culture. Pupils reported that behavior is generally good and that they understand the consequences of poor behavior. Initiatives like the friendship bench and acts of kindness promote a supportive atmosphere. The school council's work on mental health is also well-regarded.
Safeguarding measures are effective, with staff receiving regular training and being well-informed about safeguarding protocols. The designated safeguarding leader maintains appropriate records and collaborates with external agencies to support vulnerable pupils. All pupils reported feeling safe at school, and older students appreciated programs that educate them on personal safety.
The inspection focused on three key areas: the development of writing, mathematics teaching, and the progress of disadvantaged pupils. Writing outcomes were identified as average in 2018, prompting leaders to create more purposeful writing opportunities across the curriculum. While there has been improvement, particularly in Year 6, younger pupils have fewer chances to engage in extended writing, which affects their progress. In mathematics, leaders have revised the curriculum to enhance outcomes, particularly for girls and disadvantaged pupils. The majority of pupils show strong progress, and teaching strategies encourage reasoning and problem-solving skills.
Disadvantaged pupils are making progress in line with their peers, thanks to targeted support and interventions. Leaders have identified barriers to learning and implemented strategies such as breakfast clubs and emotional well-being support. While the gap in progress is closing, there are still areas for improvement, particularly in ensuring that all pupils are sufficiently challenged in their learning.
Next steps for the school include enhancing the quality of teaching to ensure all pupils can achieve their potential, increasing professional development opportunities for teachers, and ensuring that leaders regularly check pupils' work to assess the impact of their actions. The inspection findings will be shared with relevant stakeholders, and the letter will be published on the Ofsted website.
