Stourfield Junior School, located in Bournemouth, Dorset, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection in January 2020. The school is characterized by a warm and nurturing environment that fosters a positive learning atmosphere. Pupils exhibit enthusiasm for their lessons and demonstrate a strong focus on their studies. They appreciate the diverse learning opportunities provided across the curriculum, particularly enjoying special events known as ‘wow days’ that introduce upcoming topics in an engaging manner. The school has made significant strides in helping pupils understand the purpose of their learning, especially in subjects like writing and science, where curriculum plans are well-established.
Behavior among pupils is commendable, with students adhering to the school’s behavior expectations and demonstrating mutual respect in their interactions. The school has effective systems in place to support those who may struggle with behavior management, ensuring a harmonious environment during break and lunchtime activities. The school also emphasizes the importance of attendance, with leaders actively promoting good attendance and addressing any issues promptly. Relationships between staff and pupils are built on respect, contributing to a supportive educational experience.
The school has prioritized reading as a key area for improvement, recognizing that pupils' fluency and vocabulary require enhancement. To address this, the school has aligned its phonics teaching with the neighboring infant school, facilitating a smoother transition for pupils. Additionally, initiatives such as daily storytelling sessions and vocabulary exploration have been introduced to enrich pupils' language skills. Interventions are in place to assist those who need extra support in phonics, ensuring that all pupils can progress in their reading abilities.
Stourfield Junior School takes pride in educating pupils about various faiths and cultures, as well as promoting health and well-being. The curriculum allows for revisiting essential topics, such as internet safety, ensuring that pupils are well-informed. The writing curriculum is robust, with teachers effectively sequencing lessons to help pupils achieve clear milestones. However, some of the most able writers may find the curriculum restrictive, which can limit their creativity and expression.
Plans are in place to further develop the science curriculum and foundation subjects, with science already benefiting from a structured approach that builds on prior knowledge. In contrast, subjects like history and geography require more development to ensure that lessons are sequenced effectively and that pupils have adequate time to deepen their understanding of key concepts.
The special needs coordinator is well-informed about the needs of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, implementing clear systems for identifying and supporting these students. However, there are instances where targets set for these pupils lack precision, making it challenging for staff to monitor progress accurately.
Safeguarding measures at the school are effective, with leaders prioritizing the safety and welfare of pupils. Staff are trained to recognize and report any concerns, ensuring that appropriate actions are taken when necessary. The school maintains strong communication with external agencies to provide additional support when needed.
Overall, Stourfield Junior School continues to demonstrate its commitment to providing a high-quality education, with clear areas for improvement identified in the curriculum and support for pupils with special educational needs. The school’s focus on reading, behavior management, and a nurturing environment contributes to its positive reputation within the community.
