Humberstone Junior School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

The school has the highest expectations and aspirations for all.

Pupils like the way that staff push them to be the 'best versions of themselves' and to believe in their own ability.

Pupils make the most of the high-quality teaching they receive across the curriculum. They excel in all subjects.

However, it is not just in lessons that pupils get a fantastic deal. The school's work on personal development is outstanding. There is a plethora of wonderful opportunities to broaden pupils' horizons and help them become well-rounded, healthy, courteous citizens.

The school's work to build pupils' strength of character is exemplary.

Pupils feel at ...home in this inclusive, safe environment. They say, 'It's a very welcoming school – when new people arrive, they make friends easily,' and 'There are always people here to help you, whether with your learning or with other problems.'



Pupils behave impeccably. They are polite and respectful to all. In class, pupils show a thirst for learning.

They try their absolute best and consistently produce work of a high standard. On the playground, pupils play happily together. They are very proud of their school.

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

The school's curriculum is meticulously planned. The essential knowledge and vocabulary that pupils must learn have been clearly set out in a logical, progressive order. Staff emphasise this essential content in their teaching.

They check that pupils have a secure grasp of it before moving on. Staff model learning precisely so that pupils know exactly what they must do and how to do it. Staff link new learning to what has been covered before so that pupils deepen their understanding of important concepts over time.

The impact of such excellent teaching can be seen in pupils' work and the rich body of knowledge they are able to recall and use.

All pupils achieve incredibly well at Humberstone Junior School. The school has the highest ambitions for all pupils.

This includes for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), disadvantaged pupils and pupils who speak English as an additional language. Staff ensure that these pupils get the support they need to thrive.

Oracy is a cornerstone of the curriculum and a key reason behind the school's success.

Staff ask pupils to speak in full sentences and to use sophisticated, technical language. They encourage the use of 'sentence stems' so that pupils link their contributions to what others have said. This approach results in pupils becoming articulate communicators who can use the knowledge they have gained confidently and fluently.

The school's top priority is for all pupils to read well and for all pupils to want to read. Any pupil who needs help with phonics gets it straight away. Staff are experts in teaching reading.

They are incredibly enthusiastic and knowledgeable about books. The passion staff have for reading is reflected in pupils' attitudes. Pupils love reading, too.

Every corridor is adorned with displays to celebrate great stories. Pupils cannot wait for their turn to visit the library each week.

The programme of events to develop pupils' talents and interests is exceptional.

The proactive 'pupil leadership team' acts on pupils' views and ideas. 'Well-being warriors' are on hand to provide support for their peers. Carefully planned projects culminate in pupils sharing their learning publicly.

These challenges include leading tours of Roman Leicester and putting on exhibitions at a local art gallery. The school is preparing pupils very well for life in modern Britain. Pupils know why fundamental British values and protected characteristics are important.

Pupils say, 'They are there to create a pleasant society where everyone can be themselves.'

The school is extremely well led. The trust makes frequent checks on pupils' achievements across the curriculum.

Leaders ensure that staff have the expertise to teach all subjects very well. Staff like the team ethos and they appreciate the support for their workload and well-being.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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