Bethany Church of England Junior School, located in Bournemouth, Dorset, underwent an inspection on March 22 and 23, 2022. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as good, reflecting significant improvements since the previous inspection, which had rated it as requiring improvement. The school is committed to providing a high-quality education, with a vision of inspiring learning for life and hope for the future. This vision emphasizes the importance of equipping pupils with the knowledge and personal attributes necessary for success in their future educational endeavors and adult lives.
Pupils at Bethany Junior School enjoy attending school and demonstrate good behavior. They are focused during lessons and strive to perform to the best of their abilities. The school effectively supports those with challenging behavior, ensuring that all pupils feel safe and secure. Instances of bullying are reported to be rare, and both parents and pupils express confidence in the school's ability to address any issues that arise. The school fosters a strong sense of community, with parents appreciating the support provided by school leaders.
The school is inclusive, catering for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, disadvantaged pupils, and those who speak English as an additional language. These pupils are fully integrated into school life and receive the necessary support to thrive. The school promotes values of acceptance and respect, teaching pupils to embrace diversity from an early age.
Leaders have carefully identified the key knowledge and concepts that pupils should learn across most subjects. This structured approach allows teachers to break down learning into manageable steps, facilitating better understanding. However, there are still some subjects, such as physical education and art, where this work is not yet fully complete. The curriculum is well-sequenced, enabling pupils to build on their prior knowledge effectively. For instance, Year 6 pupils can recall previous learning about light from Year 5, and in history, their understanding of invasion deepens as they study different historical periods.
Reading is a fundamental aspect of the school's curriculum, with a strong emphasis on phonics teaching for early readers. This approach has proven effective, allowing pupils, including those who are disadvantaged or have special educational needs, to catch up quickly. The school provides a rich reading environment, including a well-resourced library and various reading initiatives that encourage a love for reading among pupils.
In mathematics, teachers are attentive to the specific knowledge pupils need to acquire and the timeline for this learning. This careful planning helps pupils learn systematically, and most pupils find the work challenging yet enjoyable. However, there is a noted discrepancy in the recall of mathematical facts between older pupils and those in Years 3 and 4, indicating a need for further focus on foundational skills for younger students.
Pupils leave Bethany Junior School as well-rounded individuals who embody the school's core values. They demonstrate an understanding of important social concepts such as equality and respect, and they are equipped with knowledge about online safety and how to report concerns. Attendance is generally good, and the school takes proactive measures to support families facing challenges in this area.
Governance at the school is effective, with governors holding leaders accountable and providing support. Staff members report that leaders are considerate of their well-being and workload, contributing to a positive working environment. The arrangements for safeguarding are robust, with a commitment from all staff to ensure the safety of pupils. Regular training and clear policies ensure that staff are well-prepared to address any concerns.
While the school has made significant strides, there are areas for improvement. The curriculum needs to be fully developed across all subjects to ensure clarity in what pupils should learn and when. Additionally, adaptations in the mathematics curriculum are necessary to help younger pupils reinforce their learning and improve recall of essential facts. Overall, Bethany Church of England Junior School is on a positive trajectory, with a strong foundation for continued growth and success.
