Town Junior School, located on Ebroke Road in Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands, underwent an inspection on January 14 and 15, 2020. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as good, reflecting significant improvements since the previous inspection, which had identified the school as requiring improvement. The quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management were all rated as good.
The school is characterized by its ambitious leadership, with school leaders, governors, and staff holding high expectations for all pupils. This ambition is evident in the well-developed curriculum for reading, writing, and mathematics, which has led to strong pupil achievement in these subjects. Pupils engage enthusiastically in their learning, benefiting from exciting trips, visitors, and activities that are closely linked to the curriculum, making their educational experience more vibrant and engaging.
Pupils express happiness and enjoyment in attending school. They demonstrate politeness, courtesy, and respect towards one another and the staff. The school fosters a trusting environment where pupils feel safe and well cared for. They understand the school rules and adhere to them, showing good behavior. The school effectively addresses bullying, with staff responding promptly to any incidents.
Health education is prioritized, with pupils learning about healthy lifestyles through assemblies and workshops. The school offers a variety of sporting clubs and encourages pupils to explore different cultures, promoting the development of thoughtful and responsible citizens.
Leaders and governors possess a clear understanding of the areas needing improvement and have set high expectations for the school. They have successfully implemented changes that have positively impacted all aspects of the school since the last inspection. The curriculum is ambitious and prepares pupils well for future challenges. Staff are well-trained in teaching core subjects, and leaders have carefully planned what pupils should learn, ensuring that basic skills are reinforced across different subjects.
Pupils are able to recall and apply knowledge from previous years in subjects like history and art, demonstrating effective learning practices. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in geography, music, and modern foreign languages, where the curriculum plans do not fully ensure that all pupils receive a comprehensive education. Leaders are currently reviewing these subjects to enhance the curriculum.
While most subjects are well-led, some curriculum leaders are new to their roles and require support to ensure that pupils learn the intended knowledge and skills. The school has prioritized reading, with pupils enjoying the support they receive from adults in school and at home. Staff work closely with those who struggle with reading, helping them to catch up effectively.
The arrangements for safeguarding are robust, with leaders ensuring that all staff are suitable to work with children. Staff and governors are well-trained in safeguarding procedures and take prompt action when concerns arise. Overall, the school has made significant strides in improving its educational offerings and ensuring a safe and supportive environment for all pupils. However, continued focus on enhancing subject knowledge among teachers and ensuring comprehensive curriculum coverage in all subjects will be essential for ongoing improvement.
