Balfour Junior School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 22 May 2024

Pupils delight in attending this welcoming school. Pupils feel safe and behave exceptionally well, forming strong friendships with one another. Lunchtime play is a joyful time for pupils. They sit and read books under the canopy, clamber over the climbing equipment, build dens and play board games on the game tables. Adults form positive relationships with the pupils, creating an atmosphere that pupils are happy to be in. The school encourages pupils to find and develop their character and interests well. Pupils learn to play the ukulele tunefully and produce vibrant artwork in their sketchbooks. They uphold the school's values of respect and kindness. For example, they are keen to open a door for an adult in the school corridor and are courteous in class. Pupils are confident in their own opinions and show respect when listening to the views of others. The school is keen for pupils to achieve well. Pupils are excited about what they learn. They are inquisitive and relish the challenges they face in class. This is because the school matches the curriculum to their needs and interests well. As one pupil said, 'Teachers encourage you and push you to do your best.'

What the school should improve

• While teachers are clear about what pupils need to know, they do not always draw on what pupils have learned before in order to strengthen learning in class. As a result, some pupils do not embed and use what they know fluently. The school needs to ensure that teachers are clear about what pupils need to remember and use this to inform their teaching so that pupils achieve even higher standards.

Read the full Ofsted report (opens in a new tab)