Cuxton Community Junior School, located in Rochester, Kent, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on July 6 and 7, 2022. The school is characterized by a positive and engaging atmosphere where pupils express excitement about their learning and extracurricular activities. During the inspection, students eagerly shared their upcoming talent show entries and highlighted the variety of clubs available to them. They also took pride in the various roles they can aspire to, such as becoming ambassadors or members of the pupil parliament.
The school fosters a culture of respect and safety, where pupils feel valued for their individuality. They demonstrate good behavior in lessons and during breaks, contributing to a harmonious school environment. The commitment of the staff to the personal and academic development of the pupils is evident, as they encourage resilience and perseverance, especially when faced with challenging tasks. The partnership between staff and parents is strong, ensuring that the best interests of the pupils are prioritized.
The curriculum at Cuxton Community Junior School is well-structured, particularly in mathematics and English, where pupils make significant progress in preparation for secondary education. The school offers a broad and rich curriculum that provides pupils with valuable experiences across various subjects. However, there is a recognition that subjects beyond English and mathematics require more focus on the essential knowledge that pupils should acquire. Leaders are already addressing this issue to enhance the curriculum further.
Teachers are dedicated to developing pupils' reading skills, introducing them to a range of literature that challenges their abilities. The school has implemented effective strategies to support pupils who may be falling behind, ensuring they gain confidence in their phonics skills. The mathematics curriculum has seen notable improvements due to strong leadership and a commitment to professional development among staff, resulting in a positive learning environment.
Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities receive commendable support, with high expectations balanced with tailored resources to meet their individual needs. The teaching assistants play a crucial role in this provision, contributing to the overall success of these pupils. The positive attitudes of the pupils are reflected in their engagement during lessons and their participation in various extracurricular activities, including sports, music, and community service.
The leadership team demonstrates a clear understanding of the school's strengths and areas for improvement. They foster a collaborative environment among staff, ensuring that everyone is committed to the school's vision and goals. The safeguarding measures in place are effective, with a strong culture of vigilance and responsiveness to any concerns. The school prioritizes online safety, with initiatives such as the pupil parliament working on an online code of conduct.
While the school has many strengths, there are areas identified for improvement. The curriculum in subjects other than English and mathematics needs to clarify the knowledge pupils should acquire throughout their time at the school. Additionally, there is a need to ensure that experiential learning activities are aligned with the intended learning outcomes, maintaining a focus on what is most important for pupils to remember.
Overall, Cuxton Community Junior School continues to provide a supportive and enriching environment for its pupils, with a strong commitment to their academic and personal development. The leadership team is dedicated to ongoing improvement, ensuring that the school remains a place where pupils can thrive and succeed.
