Belmont Junior School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 20 April 2022

Pupils are happy and are kept safe. There is little bullying. Any incidents that occur are dealt with promptly. Pupils say that if there are problems and you tell a teacher, they stop. Leaders are ambitious that all pupils will achieve well. This includes those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Expectations in lessons reflect this. Subject plans are typically well organised, which helps pupils use their knowledge and learn more. Pupils behave well and are generally kind to each other. They show high levels of respect during lessons and enjoy learning. However, on occasions, pupils show a lack of respect for each other. This happens when pupils are in the playground. Leaders know this and are working on it, including through teaching about relationships in the personal, social and health education (PSHE) curriculum. Pupils said that they love their school. They enjoy the wide range of clubs that are on offer and appreciate the support they receive from staff. Pupils said that they can be who they want to be. They said that differences will be respected. They see not having a school uniform as a positive part of their self-expression.

What the school should improve

• In geography, mapping skills are not taught in sufficient detail. Pupils are not developing this geographical skill well enough. Leaders need to identify clearly what pupils need to know to be able to read maps. They must ensure this knowledge is sequenced from Years 3 to 6. Leaders should make sure that teaching of this strand enables pupils to acquire a deep and secure understanding of all the essential subject content and key vocabulary.
• Pupils who need support with phonics and early reading are supported well within a bespoke intervention. However, this is not as consistent within the classroom because not all staff have had sufficient training to deliver additional phonics. Therefore, more training is required for all staff to support the delivery of the phonics scheme. This will ensure consistency across all learning and help pupils catch up as quickly as possible.
• Leaders manage the school well. Considerable disruption within leadership staffing over the past few years has added additional challenge. Leaders must ensure that there is sufficient oversight of policy and practice across all areas. This will mitigate any possibility that slippage will occur and ensure procedures and practice remain strong.

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