Forefield Junior School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Key Findings

This is a good school with significant strengths in the teaching of reading and pupils' behaviour.

Overall effectiveness is not outstanding because not all pupils make rapid progress from their starting points. Nonetheless, pupils achieve well because of strong teaching, an imaginative curriculum and effective relationships. The overwhelming majority of parents and carers would recommend the school to others.

The positive views of many are summed up in the comment 'I feel lucky to have such a fantastic school to send my children to.' Pupils make good progress from their higher than average starting points and leave Year 6 with attainment levels that are above the national average. Pupils' achi...evement in reading is particularly strong.

Although the number of pupils gaining the higher levels matches the national picture, more-able pupils do not always make the progress of which they are capable. Some teaching is outstanding but it is good overall. Effective teaching strategies enable pupils to flourish and make good gains in their learning across the curriculum.

Pupils' exceptional attitudes to learning and each other underpin their exemplary behaviour. They are highly considerate of others and manage their own behaviour very well. Pupils are acutely aware of different types of bullying and they have a strong perspective on how to keep themselves safe.

The headteacher's clear vision for excellence permeates all aspects of school life. Consequently, teaching is never less than good and pupils thrive academically and socially. The leadership of teaching and the management of performance are good because it has led to sustained improvements over time.

Systems to check the work of the school are embedded but some of these activities do not happen regularly enough or fully involve all key leaders.

Information about the school

This is a larger than average-sized junior school. Most pupils are of White British heritage.

The number of pupils from minority ethnic groups is much lower than found nationally. Few pupils speak English as an additional language. The proportion of pupils known to be eligible for free school meals is smaller than found nationally.

The number of disabled pupils and those with special educational needs is broadly in line with the national average. This includes pupils supported at school action plus and pupils with a statement of special educational needs. The school meets the government floor standards, which set the minimum expectations for attainment and progress.

Some pupils attend the out-of-hours childcare provision housed on the infant school site. This provision is not managed by the governing body and is subject to a separate inspection. The school has received Healthy School status, Active School Award and the Eco Green Flag Award.

Inspection grades: 1 is outstanding, 2 is good, 3 is satisfactory and 4 is inadequate Please turn to the glossary for a description of the grades and inspection terms