Balfour Junior School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school This is a good school. Outcomes have risen quickly since the last inspection due to strong and effective leadership. Pupils make good progress across the school in reading, writing and mathematics.

Standards are now in line with the national averages in English and mathematics by the end of Year 6. Teaching, learning and assessment have improved to good levels. Teachers and teaching assistants provide effective support for pupils of all abilities.

Pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is a strong feature of the school. Pupils have a good understanding of different religions, cultures and British values. The headteacher... and deputy provide excellent leadership for the school.

They have an accurate view of the school's performance and know precisely what needs to be done to move the school forward. Governance is good. Governors know the school well and provide constructive challenge.

Pupils typically behave well. They feel very safe in school and attendance levels are above average. Pupils enjoy taking on responsibility.

The care and welfare of pupils is central to the work of the school. Disadvantaged pupils, disabled pupils and those who have special educational needs are given quality guidance to help them make good progress. It is not yet an outstanding school because : Attainment is not as high in writing as it is in reading and mathematics, particularly for the most-able pupils.

Pupils do not always have sufficient opportunities to improve their work. Leaders do not always ensure that highly effective practice is shared to enhance teaching further. Full report

Information about this school

This is a larger than average-sized junior school.

The proportion of pupils from ethnic minority groups is above average. Of these, the proportion of pupils for whom English is an additional language is above average. The proportion of disabled pupils and those who have special educational needs who are supported at school action is just above the national average.

The proportion of pupils known to be eligible for the pupil premium (additional government funding given to the school for pupils known to be eligible for free school meals and children who are looked after by the local authority) is broadly average. The school meets the government's current floor standards, which set the minimum expectations for pupils' attainment and progress. There have been changes in leadership since the last inspection, with the appointment of a new deputy headteacher and Chair of Governors.

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