Merrydale Junior School, located in Leicester, has been inspected for the first time since its registration as a new school in November 2016. The inspection, conducted on 23-24 October 2019, resulted in an overall effectiveness rating of good across all evaluated areas, including the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management. The school serves a diverse student body, with many pupils speaking English as an additional language. This diversity enriches the learning environment, and pupils demonstrate positive attitudes towards their education. They engage actively in lessons, enjoy sharing ideas, and appreciate the connections made between different subjects. The school offers various extracurricular activities, including sports and clubs, which help pupils develop their interests and talents.
Pupils exhibit respectful behavior and report being treated fairly by both peers and staff. The school has established a culture where bullying is rare, and when incidents do occur, they are addressed effectively by staff. School leaders maintain high expectations for all students, fostering a strong work ethic among pupils. The curriculum is designed to enhance cultural understanding, particularly through the religious education program. The pastoral staff provides essential support for pupils' social, emotional, and personal development needs.
The quality of education at Merrydale Junior School is commendable. Leaders are actively developing a curriculum that meets the diverse needs of all pupils. Teachers assess students' prior knowledge upon entry and plan lessons that build on this foundation. Most subjects have structured learning that effectively builds on previous knowledge, particularly in reading, mathematics, science, geography, and history. However, some subjects, such as modern foreign languages and design technology, require further development in terms of planning and organization.
Reading instruction is a strong focus, with additional phonics lessons provided for pupils needing extra support. While training for staff has ensured a clear structure for these lessons, some reading materials do not align well with the phonics being taught, which can hinder the progress of struggling readers. Most teachers successfully cultivate strong comprehension skills among pupils, selecting engaging texts and encouraging vocabulary development. However, there are instances where the work set for advanced readers does not challenge them sufficiently.
Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities receive appropriate support, with teachers demonstrating high expectations for their learning. The school also effectively supports pupils who speak English as an additional language, providing resources and assistance to facilitate their progress. The school promotes an appreciation for diverse cultures and religions, creating a harmonious environment that values inclusivity.
The safeguarding arrangements at Merrydale Junior School are effective, with clear systems in place for reporting concerns. Leaders maintain detailed records of incidents and actions taken, ensuring that pupils and their families receive the necessary support. The pastoral team plays a crucial role in providing care, and staff are trained to recognize signs of abuse.
To improve further, the school needs to ensure that the effective practices seen in most subjects are consistently applied across all areas of the curriculum. Additionally, some pupils require more challenging reading materials to reach their full potential. Leaders are already taking steps to enhance the coherence and sequencing of the curriculum in subjects that are not yet fully developed. Overall, Merrydale Junior School demonstrates a commitment to providing a high-quality education and fostering a supportive learning environment for all its pupils.
