Ashfield Junior School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school The headteacher's unwavering drive for improvement since the last inspection has led to improving outcomes for pupils currently in the school. The school motto, 'Together we achieve', embodies the high expectations shared by staff and governors.

Although published outcomes for pupils have not been good enough in the past, the majority of current pupils are on track to have the skills and knowledge that are typical for their age by the end of the academic year. Leaders have ensured that actions to bring about improvements have been implemented effectively. As a result, a higher proportion of pupils are now reaching the expected standards at the end... of key stage 2, particularly in writing.

Teachers' strong subject knowledge ensures that learning opportunities meet the pupils' needs and excite their interests. Sometimes, teachers do not provide opportunities for pupils to develop their mathematical skills, such as reasoning and problem solving. This is particularly the case for disadvantaged pupils.

Governors have an accurate understanding of the school's performance. As a result, they are able to hold leaders stringently to account. Pupils who attend the resource base and pupils who have special educational needs (SEN) and/or disabilities are supported well by skilled staff.

As a result, they are making strong progress from their individual starting points. Positive relationships between staff and pupils are fostered well. Consequently, pupils feel safe and valued in a calm and focused learning environment.

Leaders have developed a curriculum that prepares pupils well for life in modern Britain. The curriculum promotes pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development very effectively. Parents and carers appreciate the care and guidance that their children receive.

They praise the broad range of extra-curricular opportunities available which have the well-being of their children as a priority. Teachers do not routinely correct pupils' spelling. This hinders pupils' ability to reach higher standards in their writing.

Information about this school

This is a junior school. The majority of pupils join the school from the neighbouring infant school. However, pupils also join from the other local infant schools.

There are two classes in each year group. The majority of pupils are of a White British background. The proportion of pupils who have SEN and/or disabilities is broadly in line with the national average.

However, the proportion of pupils who have an EHC plan is above average. The school has a resource-base provision for pupils who have physical and medical needs. The proportion of pupils eligible for pupil premium funding is below average.

The governing body manages a before- and after-school club. Pupils from the neighbouring infant school also attend this provision. The school did not meet the government's current floor standards, which are the minimum expected for pupils' attainment and progress in English and mathematics by the end of Year 6 in 2017.