Highover Junior Mixed and Infant School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils enjoy being part of this cheerful and welcoming school. They embrace every educational opportunity, in part because of the staff's enthusiasm for learning. Additionally, staff foster positive relationships by caring for and understanding pupils as individuals.

Pupils know this and find it reassuring.

Staff have consistently high expectations of the pupils. Teachers place great trust in the pupils to make the right choices, and generally, they do.

Support is readily available for those pupils who require more guidance with this.

Pupils learn to be independent at every stage of their time at the school. This prepares them for future challenges.<...br/>
They also have a strong sense of self-worth and resilience. These are essential skills for when pupils complete tasks unaided, such as solving a challenging mathematics problem.

Excellent teaching and broad subject curriculums develop pupils' knowledge well.

Pupils particularly enjoy explaining their views on current issues, such as the impact of climate change on coral reefs and its effects on humans and animals.

The youngest children learn important social skills, such as sharing and getting along with one another. Older pupils are positive role models.

They help younger pupils with reading and play, showing them kindness and consideration.

What does the school do well and what does it need to do better?

The school has developed a well-thought-through and carefully considered curriculum. Teachers know what knowledge to teach and when.

They have strong subject knowledge. Support for this is ongoing and effective. This means teachers can expertly explain new knowledge to pupils.

Furthermore, teachers use well-chosen models to guide pupils and provide clear processes to follow. As a result, pupils can complete tasks successfully. In the early years, children also develop self-reliance through well-structured tasks that capture their interests.

These tasks also develop other essential skills and, with adult support, build up children's vocabulary. Children are exceptionally well prepared for their learning in Year 1.

Staff check pupils' understanding expertly.

This means they can check for gaps in pupils' knowledge and that misconceptions rarely arise. Pupils discuss their learning confidently with others. This further develops their knowledge because they must carefully consider their answers.

Pupils' knowledge develops superbly well because they can provide thorough and precise explanations of essential information, verbally and in writing. This all helps pupils remember their learning exceptionally well.

The school prioritises pupils' learning to read.

In the early years, children read, enjoy and share books. Staff help children to learn about rhyme and rhythm. This supports their ability to differentiate the sounds in words.

Alongside this, expert staff teach a highly effective phonics programme. Any pupils who are not fluent readers receive extra teaching from knowledgeable staff. Pupils can develop their phonics knowledge for as long as they need.

This ensures that pupils become confident and fluent readers. Pupils enjoy reading books about a wide range of topics and from diverse authors. Overall, pupils achieve exceptionally well in reading.

Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) have their needs identified accurately. Staff and parents and carers work together to create individual plans for pupils who need them. Sometimes, pupils receive more targeted support and guidance.

Mostly, pupils with SEND work alongside their classmates. Skilled teachers provide tasks that enable them to access the curriculum successfully. As a result, pupils with SEND achieve highly.

Pupils' behaviour is excellent. Staff help pupils to learn to be independent. This includes learning how to manage their feelings and behaviour.

Pupils develop highly positive attitudes to learning. In the early years, children learn the vocabulary associated with their feelings and some strategies for managing these. Older pupils learn that they can control their actions and why this is important.

Pupils who find this more challenging have extra support. This means behaviour around the school is calm and orderly. Pupils' learning is rarely disturbed by the behaviour of others.

The school immerses pupils in learning about and understanding equality and diversity. Cultural events and learning about other religions are integral to the curriculum. As a result, pupils are impressively well informed.

They are also proud of their uniqueness. The school's work to prepare pupils for life in modern British society is exemplary.

The school and the governors provide pupils with an excellent, well-rounded education.

They provide strong leadership that ensures the school meets pupils' changing needs. The positive outcomes pupils achieve reflect this. Parents are highly positive about the school and the support their children receive.

Staff feel their workload is manageable and that leaders consider their well-being. Staff appreciate the ongoing training that develops their teaching to a high standard.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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