Kinsale Junior School, located in Hellesdon, Norwich, has been inspected and continues to be recognized as a good school. The headteacher, Roz Robinson, leads the school, which is part of the Wensum Trust. The trust is overseen by CEO Daniel Thrower and a board of trustees chaired by John Smith. The inspection took place on September 13 and 14, 2023, and the findings indicate that pupils have a positive experience at the school. They enjoy good relationships with adults and feel well cared for, with younger pupils settling in quickly and expressing happiness in their environment.
Pupils are engaged in their lessons and appreciate spending time with friends. The school offers various opportunities that enhance the curriculum, including popular annual trips to places like Banham Zoo and Africa Alive. The leadership has made significant changes to the curriculum to ensure that pupils achieve well. Teachers have high expectations, and pupils are motivated to perform well in class, demonstrating hard work and a willingness to seek help when needed.
The classroom environment is calm and orderly, allowing pupils to focus on their learning with minimal disruption from poor behavior. However, outside of lessons, a small minority of pupils exhibit unkind behavior, which can create concerns among their peers. The school is aware of this issue and is working to address it.
The curriculum has been revised since joining the Wensum Trust, and it is designed to meet the needs of pupils effectively. Many subject plans are fully implemented, with clear expectations for content delivery. Teachers are skilled in planning activities that support pupil achievement and are quick to intervene when a pupil struggles. However, in some subjects, the curriculum lacks clarity regarding what pupils need to learn, which can lead to gaps in knowledge and understanding.
The school has prioritized reading, implementing systems to assess early reading fluency and knowledge as pupils enter Year 3. Support is provided for those who fall behind, and staff model high-quality reading, fostering a positive attitude towards books among pupils.
The school has appropriate systems for identifying and supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities. Individual plans are tailored to meet diverse needs, and staff are well-trained to implement these plans effectively. This support helps pupils with SEND achieve as expected.
Teachers maintain a consistent approach to behavior management, creating a supportive learning environment. While most pupils behave well, a small number do not consistently meet behavior expectations, which can affect the overall atmosphere. The school is committed to helping these pupils improve their behavior to ensure a respectful and kind environment for all.
Personal development is a key focus, with various leadership opportunities for older pupils and strong links to organizations like the Zoological Society of East Anglia, which educate pupils on important issues such as conservation. The school offers clubs that allow pupils to develop their skills and interests.
The trust actively supports the school through regular monitoring and audits, ensuring that systems are effective and providing additional assistance when necessary. Safeguarding arrangements are effective, contributing to a safe environment for all pupils.
To improve, the school needs to ensure that all areas of the curriculum are clearly defined regarding what pupils should learn. Additionally, addressing the behavior of a small minority of pupils is essential to maintain a positive school culture where all students treat each other with respect and kindness.
