Wensum Junior School, located in Norwich, Norfolk, underwent an inspection on 10 and 11 October 2023, resulting in an overall effectiveness rating of Requires Improvement. The quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, and personal development were all rated as Requires Improvement, while leadership and management received a Good rating. The headteacher, Corrina Peachment, leads the school, which is part of the Evolution Academy Trust, overseen by CEO Craig Avieson and trustee chair Drew Whitehead.
Pupils at Wensum Junior School feel safe and well cared for, enjoying positive relationships with staff who are approachable and supportive. The school promotes values of kindness, honesty, and respect, and while behaviour is improving, some pupils struggle to meet expectations consistently. The school offers a variety of extracurricular clubs, which pupils appreciate, but broader initiatives to enhance their understanding of society are still developing.
The school has made strides in encouraging pupils to work hard, with many responding positively to these expectations. However, some students require additional support to maintain high standards. In certain subjects, pupils do not achieve a solid understanding of key concepts, indicating that the quality of education needs improvement.
Recent changes in leadership have initiated positive developments, allowing pupils to access a broad curriculum. The school has outlined what students should learn in each subject, but the implementation of these plans varies. In some areas, the monitoring of pupil learning is insufficient, leading to gaps in knowledge and progress.
Reading is a priority at Wensum Junior School, with effective phonics instruction in place to support struggling readers. Staff have received training to ensure they teach phonics systematically, and pupils are provided with appropriate reading materials. This approach has helped many students improve their reading skills and confidence.
The school identifies pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) promptly, providing adequate support for those with complex needs. However, some pupils with less complex needs do not receive tailored support, which can hinder their access to the curriculum. The school is aware of this issue and is working to ensure that all pupils with SEND can engage with the ambitious curriculum.
The behaviour policy has been communicated to pupils, and most are motivated to adhere to the expectations. There has been a noticeable reduction in negative behaviour reports, although some disruptions to learning persist due to inconsistent application of the policy by staff.
Wensum Junior School has recently introduced a curriculum aimed at enhancing pupils' personal development, but this initiative is still in its early stages. While pupils learn about respecting diversity, some struggle to apply this knowledge in real-life contexts. Staff are making connections between classroom experiences and the wider curriculum, which has proven motivating for students.
The school leadership is aware of the areas needing improvement and is actively working to address them. Their efforts have led to noticeable progress in pupil achievement and behaviour since the beginning of the academic year. Staff recognize the positive changes and are committed to the school's ongoing development.
The safeguarding arrangements at Wensum Junior School are effective, ensuring that pupils are protected and supported. The school is focused on enhancing the educational experience for all students, aiming to equip them with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in modern society. Overall, while there are areas for improvement, the school is on a positive trajectory towards enhancing its educational offerings and pupil outcomes.
