Normanton Junior Academy has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on July 3 and 4, 2023. The school is located in Normanton, West Yorkshire, and serves pupils aged 7 to 11. The inspection highlighted that students enjoy their time at the academy, demonstrating high expectations for both learning and behavior. The positive atmosphere is evident in classrooms and on the playground, where pupils exhibit commendable behavior and support one another, embodying the school’s motto of together we learn. Respect for diversity is fostered, with students acknowledging and appreciating differences among their peers. The school environment is safe, and instances of bullying are rare, with pupils confident that staff will address any concerns they may have.
The leadership at Normanton Junior Academy is proactive in providing numerous opportunities for pupils to explore their talents and interests. A variety of extracurricular activities, including American football and media clubs, are well-attended, promoting engagement across different student groups. The school places a strong emphasis on character development, with a reward system that encourages kindness and broadens students' experiences.
Leaders are ambitious regarding pupil achievement and have carefully curated the curriculum to ensure it is rich in knowledge and experiences. Pupils benefit from educational trips and visits from guest speakers, which enhance their learning. Reading is prioritized, with various initiatives in place to cultivate a love for reading among students. The reading curriculum has been reviewed to ensure continuity in learning, and additional support is provided for those who may fall behind.
While the school excels in many areas, there are aspects that require improvement. Although leaders have made strides in enhancing the curriculum, the systems for assessing pupil knowledge and retention in subjects outside of English and mathematics are not as robust. This gap means that some leaders may lack a comprehensive understanding of pupil progress in these areas. Furthermore, while the new mathematics curriculum has been introduced effectively, there are instances where teachers do not adequately check for understanding during lessons, leading to disparities in the difficulty of work assigned to pupils.
Support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities is effective, with clear systems in place to identify those requiring additional assistance. The special educational needs coordinator collaborates with staff and outside agencies to ensure that pupils receive the necessary support tailored to their needs. The school’s commitment to the wider development of pupils is evident, with various groups available for students to engage in initiatives that enhance the school community.
The safeguarding measures at Normanton Junior Academy are effective, with leaders prioritizing pupil safety. Staff receive regular training on safeguarding protocols and are well-informed about identifying and reporting concerns. The school also educates pupils on safety, including online safety, as part of the curriculum.
In summary, Normanton Junior Academy continues to be a good school, demonstrating a commitment to high standards in education and pupil well-being. While there are areas for improvement, particularly in assessment practices across the curriculum, the overall environment fosters learning, respect, and personal growth among students. The leadership team is dedicated to ensuring that pupils are well-prepared for their future educational journeys.
