New Mill Junior School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

This is a warm and nurturing school.

The values of respect, friendship and kindness are seen throughout the school. Pupils are safe and happy here. There are extremely positive working relationships between adults and pupils.

Staff know pupils well. The school helps pupils to flourish. They become well-rounded, self-assured and respectful individuals.

Pupils are exceptionally well behaved. They are courteous and polite to adults and to each other. In class, pupils pay close attention to their teachers.

Pupils work extremely hard in lessons. The support pupils receive from adults enables them to manage their own behaviour and emotions. Pupils are refl...ective and considerate.

Pupils rise to the high expectations that the school has for them. Pupils benefit from an engaging and rich curriculum. The vast majority of pupils achieve well.

Pupils have many opportunities to contribute to school life. Pupils take up a wide range of responsibilities. For example, some pupils are librarians or members of the school council.

Some pupils are in the school's 'wild things' group. These pupils raise awareness of how to look after our planet. The school offers an exceptional range of clubs and opportunities.

The school encourages pupils to try new things. For example, pupils compete in sporting events, perform at local theatres and participate in folk festivals. Pupils are extremely proud to represent their school.

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

The school's curriculum prepares all pupils well for life beyond New Mill Juniors. The school identifies the important knowledge that pupils need to be successful in the next stage of their education. The school maps out this key learning precisely across all subjects.

Pupils build knowledge confidently and securely. The school brings the curriculum to life through memorable enrichment activities, for example visits to places of worship and workshops with writers.

Staff constantly check what pupils know and can do.

Teachers skilfully identify, and address, any misunderstandings pupils may have. The school ensures pupils are secure in key subject knowledge before they move on to new learning. Opportunities within the curriculum enable pupils to revise and secure key knowledge before being ready to move on and extend their learning.

Pupils have a love of books and a thirst for reading. There is a well-stocked library and high-quality classroom book areas. Pupils practise reading with a wide selection of books.

These books are carefully matched to pupils' reading knowledge. Pupils who fall behind with their reading get extra help straight away. They rapidly catch up and become fluent, confident readers.

Provision for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) is a significant strength of the school. Communication between staff is highly effective.Everyone knows their role in supporting pupils with SEND.

Staff adapt learning and resources for pupils with SEND superbly. Pupils with SEND achieve very well. Pupils who require additional emotional support benefit from an individual, tailored programme.

The school's provision for pupils' personal development is rich and varied. Pupils are enthusiastic about the very broad range of activities that enrich the curriculum. These activities include, for example, cycle safety training and residential trips.

The personal, social and health education programme is robust and well designed. Pupils understand the importance of equality and diversity. Pupils learn about different faiths and lifestyles.

Pupils know how to stay safe and healthy.

The school ensures that pupils and parents understand the importance of attending school regularly. The school takes rigorous and consistent action to address poor attendance.

This has resulted in significant improvements in attendance over time.

Staff are proud to be members of this school community. Staff value the support and development opportunities that come from the trust.

Staff are confident that leaders and governors consider their workload and well-being. Staff say that leaders listen to their opinions and support them well.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.