Wheatfields Junior Mixed School, located in St Albans, Hertfordshire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on July 3 and 4, 2023. The school offers an engaging and ambitious curriculum that pupils find interesting and enjoyable. Students demonstrate exceptional behavior and are highly motivated to succeed, making the most of their learning opportunities. They particularly appreciate the increasing chances to take their learning outdoors, which enhances their educational experience.
The school provides a variety of extracurricular activities, including trips and clubs, allowing pupils to develop their skills and talents. Through a well-planned sequence of trips, students gain a deep understanding of their local area, including knowledge of local plants and wildlife from visits to a woodland park. Additionally, many pupils cultivate a love for music, participating in performances and playing instruments as part of the school orchestra.
Pupils feel safe and supported within the school environment. They know they can approach key adults with any concerns, and they value the strong pastoral support provided by the school, including access to a well-being mentor. Instances of bullying are rare, and students express confidence in their teachers to maintain a safe atmosphere.
The leadership team at Wheatfields Junior Mixed School has high expectations for all pupils, ensuring that every child has access to the same ambitious curriculum. In subjects like mathematics and reading, this ambition is fully realized, leading to strong learning outcomes. The staff shares the leaders' commitment to prioritizing reading, implementing robust assessment systems to support pupils in becoming proficient readers. Teachers introduce unfamiliar vocabulary before reading, which helps students build confidence in their phonics knowledge and contributes to high attainment in reading.
While pupils generally learn the curriculum well, there are areas for improvement. In some subjects, leaders have not specified the key concepts that pupils should learn, resulting in inconsistencies in teaching and gaps in knowledge. Additionally, assessment processes in foundation subjects do not provide sufficient information about pupil learning, hindering leaders' understanding of curriculum effectiveness.
The school demonstrates a strong commitment to inclusivity, particularly for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities. Leaders ensure that the curriculum is adapted to meet the specific needs of these pupils, allowing them to learn alongside their peers. The behavior and attitudes of pupils towards learning are exemplary, with students showing resilience and independence in their studies. They understand the importance of kindness and respect, which is evident during lunchtime when they play happily without adult intervention.
Wheatfields Junior Mixed School also emphasizes personal development, offering various leadership roles for pupils. Initiatives like the eco-council empower students to contribute to the school community, fostering a sense of responsibility and respect for others. The school environment is positive, with staff reporting strong support for their well-being from leaders.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, with staff receiving appropriate training and maintaining detailed records of actions taken to ensure pupil safety. Leaders follow proper recruitment procedures to ensure that all staff are suitable to work with children.
To enhance its educational offerings, the school should focus on clearly defining the specific key concepts for all subjects and developing assessment systems that provide better insights into pupil learning. This will help ensure that all students receive a comprehensive education that meets their needs.
