Sun Hill Junior School, located in Alresford, Hampshire, has undergone its first inspection since opening as a new academy in September 2017. The inspection, conducted on November 3 and 4, 2021, 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 is committed to providing a high-quality education and fostering a supportive environment where pupils feel safe and valued.
Leaders at Sun Hill Junior School have established a curriculum that clearly outlines the knowledge and skills pupils are expected to learn. The curriculum is organized through themed projects, ensuring that key drivers such as confidence, initiative, and diversity are effectively integrated. Teachers are dedicated to engaging pupils in their learning, providing clear information and regular opportunities for vocabulary development. They assess pupils' understanding effectively, offering additional support when necessary to ensure that all students grasp the material.
Pupils demonstrate a strong eagerness to learn and engage positively with their peers. They exhibit good behavior, greeting visitors politely and showing respect for one another. While most pupils behave well, there are instances where a small number may become distracted during lessons. The school promotes a culture of responsibility, with pupils taking on various roles and responsibilities, including having a buddy system to ensure no child feels alone.
The school places a strong emphasis on reading, with staff identifying pupils who may struggle with reading upon their entry in Year 3. Additional time is allocated to support reading development, resulting in most pupils becoming confident readers. Older pupils enjoy a wide range of literature and are motivated to listen to stories read by their teachers.
Sun Hill Junior School is inclusive, providing support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities. Staff are encouraging and offer appropriate assistance, although some interventions outside of lessons may not be as well-planned or aligned with the curriculum, potentially hindering progress.
The school also enriches pupils' experiences through community events and joint theatrical productions with a nearby secondary school. Leaders ensure that financial constraints do not prevent any child from participating in trips and visits. The board of trustees is knowledgeable and focused on improving educational quality, rigorously overseeing the use of funding to support pupil development. However, there is a need for trustees to gain a better understanding of pupil learning in foundation subjects to ensure comprehensive oversight.
Staff at Sun Hill Junior School report high levels of job satisfaction, feeling well-supported by leaders and the trust. The school prioritizes the well-being of both staff and pupils, fostering a positive working environment.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, with a strong culture of vigilance and clear procedures for reporting concerns. Staff are well-trained and regularly discuss safeguarding issues, ensuring that all staff members are aware of their responsibilities.
To improve further, the school needs to ensure that interventions for pupils, particularly those with special educational needs, are well-planned and closely connected to the curriculum. Additionally, trustees should enhance their understanding of pupil learning across all subjects to provide effective oversight and support for continuous improvement. Overall, Sun Hill Junior School is making significant strides in providing a quality education and nurturing environment for its pupils.
