Saltergate Community Junior School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils are happy to attend Saltergate Community Junior School. Many pupils say there is nothing they would change about their 'amazing' school.

They thoroughly enjoy the wide range of rich and exciting experiences provided for them. School leaders make sure all pupils get lots of opportunities to develop their talents and interests.

Pupils enjoy lessons.

This is because teachers make lessons interesting. Pupils are familiar with the routine of each lesson and the high expectations that teachers have of them. As a result, pupils know what to expect and are keen to learn and apply their knowledge.

Pupils appreciate the many trips and activities that ar...e planned for them.

Relationships between staff and pupils are warm and respectful. This helps pupils to meet the high expectations that staff have of them.

Pupils feel safe because staff look after them very well. Pupils' behaviour is positive in lessons and at unstructured times of day. They understand the behaviour policy and feel that it is fair.

There have been occasional instances of bullying and inappropriate name-calling. However, pupils are confident that when this does happen it is sorted out.

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

Leaders and governors have brought about significant improvements since the previous inspection.

Improvements to the curriculum and the way it is taught continued throughout the pandemic. The curriculum is broad, well planned and enhanced by a wide range of interesting enrichment activities. Trips that are planned into the curriculum, help pupils to remember important information.

Leaders have made sure that teachers know what to teach and when in each subject. This helps teachers plan sequences of lessons that build on what pupils already know. Golden threads of knowledge run through and between subjects.

As a result, pupils revisit key knowledge in different contexts. This helps them to remember more. The new curriculum has been in place in some subjects for longer than in others.

Pupils remember more of their previous learning in the more established subjects.

Pupils are encouraged to read widely and often. They have all recently joined Harrogate library.

Teachers choose books carefully to enhance curriculum topics. They read to pupils every day. Pupils are encouraged to read aloud in class.

Teachers help pupils to read with accuracy and expression. Pupils who are behind in reading receive precise support to help them catch up. They read books that match the sounds they know.

This helps them to enjoy reading with confidence.

Pupils use their prior knowledge well in mathematics. For example, during the inspection, some pupils explained how their knowledge of different angles was helping them in their current work on shapes.

Pupils are able to use their knowledge of the number system to tackle problem-solving and reasoning challenges. Teachers provide immediate help when pupils make a mistake or are stuck. However, they do not always check later that pupils have remembered what they have been taught.

The structure of lessons helps pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities to take a full part in lessons. A small number of pupils have needs that make it difficult for them to regulate their behaviour at times. They receive appropriate support based on very positive relationships.

This helps them to be successful.

Pupils learn how to keep themselves safe and how to be healthy, physically and mentally. They learn about other faiths and the importance of equality.

They care about others and are proud to raise money for good causes. Pupil leadership is strong. For example, pupils in Year 6 lead an assembly every week.

They choose their own themes which are useful for other pupils. Some Year 3 pupils explained what they had learned about keeping safe online at a Year 6 assembly.

The range and depth of enrichment opportunities is exceptional.

Leaders want all pupils to complete the 'Saltergate 500'. This includes a visit to the seaside, riding a bicycle, visiting the theatre and cinema and visiting a restaurant. Pupils learn to play a range of musical instruments.

Some are 'talent spotted' for one-to-one singing or instrument tuition. A wide range of after-school clubs allow pupils to try new things. These include musical theatre, arts and various sporting activities.

Governors know the school well and provide effective support and challenge. Staff say that leaders are always ready to provide professional and personal support. They are rightly proud to work at this school.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

There is a strong culture of safeguarding. Pupils' well-being is at the heart of every decision and action.

Staff are knowledgeable about keeping pupils safe and have the mindset that 'anything could happen'. As a result, they are vigilant and take the right steps if they are concerned. Leaders act quickly to follow up concerns.

They work with outside agencies and parents to make sure pupils are safe.

Pupils have at least one trusted adult to talk to in school if they have any worries. They learn how to stay safe, in the virtual and real worlds.

What does the school need to do to improve?

(Information for the school and appropriate authority)

• Curriculum developments in some subjects are still quite new. This means that the full impact of these changes has not had chance to be measured. Leaders should continue to implement, monitor and evaluate recent changes so all subjects enable pupils to acquire detailed knowledge as strongly as they do in other subjects.

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