The Raglan Junior School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils delight in being part of the Raglan Junior community. They are safe here and treat fellow pupils with respect and kindness.

Pupils behave extremely well at all times. They take every opportunity to bring the school values to life and enrich the lives of others. Pupils celebrate the school's diversity, for example through 'language of the month' activities and visits to different places of worship.

The school has the highest expectations of pupils' learning. Pupils enjoy working through the ambitious work planned for them. They are fully focused in lessons and waste no learning time.

Pupils achieve highly, including in national assessments. They are exc...eptionally well prepared for the next stage of their education.

Pupils choose to take part in a broad range of extra-curricular activities, including fencing and choir.

They enjoy well-chosen visits to enrich their learning, for example to the theatre, Imperial War Museum and Royal Observatory.

Many pupils volunteer for a broad range of leadership positions, including as part of the school council. 'Eco-councillors' help pupils to be environmentally friendly.'

Sports leaders' support pupils to trial different sports, and 'sports journalists' write reports on school competitions. Pupils take these positions seriously and enjoy their role as active citizens both within and beyond the school.

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

The curriculum is highly ambitious and often exceeds what is expected nationally.

Staff have a shared understanding of the key knowledge that pupils need to learn and remember. This is sequenced effectively to allow pupils to embed their understanding before tackling more challenging ideas. In geography, for example, Year 3 pupils are introduced to rivers.

Over time, pupils explore a rich range of river case studies to build a complex understanding of how humans use and affect rivers. Similarly, in physical education (PE), pupils deepen their knowledge of ball control and tackling across different team sports.

Teachers engage with a range of subject-specific training and meet regularly with each other to share and build expertise.

As a result, teachers have expert subject knowledge. They present information clearly, check pupils' understanding and routinely address any misconceptions that arise. A range of subject specialists further enhance the work of class teachers.

Reading is the beating heart of the school. The school regularly checks where pupils need extra help with their reading. It ensures any necessary support is quickly put in place.

Staff are well trained to deliver the agreed reading programmes. As a result of this work, pupils are very well supported to read with increasing accuracy and fluency. Weekly assemblies celebrate these achievements.

Leaders select ambitious texts to broaden pupils' literary horizons. This helps pupils to build up their vocabulary and understanding of how writing can be structured. Pupils routinely read for pleasure and enjoy regular story time.

Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are exceptionally well supported. Regular training helps staff to understand pupils' different needs and to put appropriately personalised support in place. The school ensures that pupils with SEND are included in all aspects of school life and are well prepared for their transition to future education.

Staff have very high expectations of pupils' behaviour. Clear systems are in place to enable pupils to meet these. As a result, pupils behave in an exemplary manner at all times.

Attendance is a real strength. This is because the school works with pupils and their families to build a shared understanding of the importance of regular attendance.

The school has given careful thought to the personal, social, health and economic education curriculum.

The sequencing of this helps pupils to learn and embed important ideas. For example, pupils learn key topics such as healthy relationships and how to stay safe when online. The rich personal development offer encourages pupils to stay physically and mentally healthy.

For example, many pupils take part in the daily 'Raglan run', and all pupils are encouraged to represent the school in a sport.

Staff are rightly proud to work here. They feel well supported with their workload and well-being.

Governors are highly knowledgeable about the school's work. This allows them to provide highly effective challenge and support.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.