The Carlton Junior Academy

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

The Carlton Junior Academy is a caring and supportive school. Pupils enjoy learning here. They feel safe and know they have many staff they can talk to if they have any worries.

Many parents say that their children thrive at this school. The school has high expectations of what pupils can achieve. Pupils achieve well across a wide range of subjects.

The school's values of responsibility, respect, relationships, excellence, and determination help pupils understand what is expected of them. Pupils behave well in lessons, at playtime, and at lunchtime. They show respect to each other and to the staff.

Pupils enjoy a range of well-thought-out trips and visits tha...t enhance the curriculum. The school provides many high-quality opportunities for pupils to develop their talents and interests. Pupils enjoy attending a variety of after-school clubs.

For example, many pupils attend the nurture club, football, handball, choir, and participate in the school production. The school gives pupils many opportunities to develop their character and to contribute to school life. Pupils are proud to take on responsibilities such as playground peacemakers, young leaders and being a member of the school council.

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

The school has designed an ambitious curriculum that clearly sets out the knowledge that pupils should learn and when. This supports teachers in delivering the curriculum well. Teachers have secure subject knowledge.

They explain new ideas clearly. They use questioning well to check pupils' understanding so that any misconceptions or gaps in learning can be addressed. This supports pupils in building securely on their prior knowledge.

As a result, pupils achieve well by the end of Year 6. At times, the learning activities that teachers use do not help pupils learn key knowledge as well as they could. This means some pupils do not build securely on previous learning.

The school has prioritised reading. In guided reading sessions, for example, pupils develop their comprehension skills. Teachers read engaging stories to pupils regularly.

The school has carefully selected the books pupils read so that they experience a range of genres. The school quickly identifies any pupils who need extra support to read well. These pupils get daily support from well-trained staff.

This supports these pupils in developing their reading fluency and accuracy.

The school identifies accurately any additional needs pupils may have. Effective systems are in place to check and review pupils' support.

The school provides detailed information about how staff can meet the needs of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Teachers use this information well. They provide the resources and support these pupils' needs.

As a result, pupils with SEND learn well.

The school has established clear routines that pupils understand and follow. Most pupils have highly positive attitudes to learning.

The school provides effective support for pupils who need to improve their attendance. This means most pupils attend school well.

The school has planned exceptionally well for pupils' wider development.

This is underpinned by the school's vision of 'we grow greatness'. The school's approach to developing pupils' character is exemplary. For example, the school gives pupils 'seeds to success' challenges to help them develop their character and resilience and to encourage them to be active citizens.

Pupils enjoy taking part in these challenges. They all participate in a rich range of experiences that supports their personal development.

The school teaches pupils how to be safe online and in the community.

Pupils know about healthy lifestyles and relationships. Pupils have a secure understanding of different religions and cultures. Pupils have many meaningful opportunities to develop their understanding of fundamental British values and equality.

Pupils know to be kind and respectful to others from different backgrounds. They learn about various careers during 'Aspiration day'. Pupils are exceptionally well prepared for their next steps.

The school is well led and managed. Staff are proud to work at the school. They appreciate how leaders consider their workload and well-being.

Trust leaders and those responsible for governance know the school well. They provide effective support and challenge.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

What does the school need to do to improve?

(Information for the school and appropriate authority)

• Sometimes, the learning activities that teachers use do not effectively help pupils acquire key knowledge. As a result, some pupils do not build on their previous learning. The school should ensure that teachers use activities that are well matched to the intended learning.