Parkland Junior School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils enjoy learning at this school. They are given many opportunities to follow their school motto: 'Aim high, work hard, dream big'. The school has greatly improved since it became an academy.

Pupils learn well in many subjects, including reading, writing, mathematics and computing.

All pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), receive effective support. This is because leaders want everyone to be successful, whatever difficulties they might face.

As a result, the needs of all pupils are met and they learn well.

Pupils eagerly engage in class activities and are keen to do well. They are often absorbed by wh...at they are doing.

For example, in a Year 6 art lesson, pupils expertly practised and refined their artwork in the style of Georgia O'Keeffe. Learning also extends outside of the classroom through thoughtfully chosen trips and an increasing range of clubs. Pupils with a wide variety of talents visit a local secondary school to develop their skills.

At breaktimes, pupils socialise and play happily together. They know that adults will deal with any poor behaviour, which is increasingly rare. There are no problems with bullying and pupils feel safe in this school.

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

Leaders have improved many areas of the school's work. Reading, writing and mathematics are now effectively organised and sequenced, meaning that pupils know more and remember more. This has led to significantly better outcomes for all pupils.

Leaders are now improving pupils' learning in other areas of the curriculum. Some subjects, such as computing, are already strong because leaders are clear about exactly what pupils should learn in each year group. However, other subjects, including science and geography, are at an earlier stage of development.

In reading lessons, teachers break down learning into small steps and pupils frequently revisit previous learning to check that they have remembered it. This approach helps pupils to gain an in-depth understanding of texts. Teachers are quick to spot any pupils who might be struggling with new learning.

These pupils receive extra help so that they keep up with their peers. Pupils are keen to read and they do so fluently and with understanding.

Classroom displays help pupils remember key knowledge and vocabulary.

In the most developed subjects, teachers skilfully choose resources that help pupils learn exactly what is intended. Technology is also used effectively. We saw pupils confidently using iPads to enhance their learning in various subjects.

Support for pupils with SEND is well structured and designed to meet their needs. Leaders check approaches regularly to make sure that these pupils are getting the help they need to be successful. As a result, pupils with SEND achieve well and are fully included in all aspects of school life.

Leaders think carefully about what pupils learn. They want to give all pupils the same opportunities, whatever their background. Consequently, pupils develop key knowledge and skills that will help them be successful in the future.

Leaders also strive to raise aspirations for all. Pupils take part in many trips and visits, selected to give them experiences that they might not otherwise have.

Pupils know how they should behave.

On the rare occasions when they forget to behave well, a small reminder is all that is needed to restore high standards. Pupils are attentive in lessons. They have many beneficial opportunities to discuss their learning, both with their teacher and with each other.

Pupils support each other well. For example, at lunchtime, playground buddies make sure everyone has someone to play with. Pupils learn to value diversity and enjoy learning about different cultures.

They are encouraged to think deeply about the world around them and to care for others.

Staff enjoy working at this school. They appreciate the efforts that their leaders make to reduce their workload.

Leaders from the multi-academy trust play a valuable role in the development of the school.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

Leaders prioritise pupils' safety.

They have put robust systems in place to keep pupils safe. Staff have been well trained to spot and respond to potential risks, especially for vulnerable pupils. Leaders are tenacious in securing the necessary support for these pupils when needed.

They work well with families to provide extra help.

In lessons, pupils learn how to keep themselves safe. This is particularly true for when they are online.

In computing lessons, pupils learn about possible risks and how to use the internet safely. Pupils show a sound understanding of e-safety.

What does the school need to do to improve?

(Information for the school and appropriate authority)

Leaders have made significant improvements to the curriculum in several key subjects, including reading, writing, mathematics and computing.

However, the wider curriculum is at an earlier stage of planning and sequencing. Leaders must ensure that these developments are enacted and fully understood by all teachers, so that pupils learn more and remember more across the curriculum. .

In many subjects, for example mathematics, computing and art, teachers select well-matched, high-quality resources to realise the school's curriculum intent. This helps pupils further develop their knowledge and understanding. Leaders should now ensure that this in place across all subjects.

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