Brookfield Junior School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 28 March 2023

Pupils love the inclusive and welcoming atmosphere in this school. They enjoy many sociable experiences held in themed areas at lunch and break times. Pupils choose to read in the inspiring library zone, play board games in the geek zone, or enjoy yoga in the hub. Leaders are passionate that pupils will feel safe, happy and ready for the next stage of their education. They are taking effective action to ensure that all pupils attain well, and pupils' work shows they are learning the intended, ambitious curriculum. Leaders have high behaviour expectations. On the rare occasions that bullying happens, they take swift action to stop it and support pupils involved. Pupils concentrate well in class, walk round school calmly and speak maturely with visitors. Teachers listen to pupils' concerns and help them make good behaviour choices. As one parent put it, 'The whole- school approach to pastoral care is what sets this school apart.' Pupils are proud to represent their school in sporting tournaments. They learn how to play in the spirit of good-natured competition in team games such as korfball, quidditch and hockey. They enjoy attending lunchtime and after-school clubs including musical theatre, forest school, woodwork and programming.

What the school should improve

• There are inconsistencies in the support that staff give to pupils who do not yet readily decode text. These pupils are not achieving fluency as quickly as they could. Leaders need to continue to implement their plans to develop staff as early reading experts.
• Leaders are still developing ways of how teachers should check that pupils have understood and remembered essential knowledge. Sometimes, teachers do not know precisely which areas of the curriculum pupils need to revisit. Leaders should continue their work on formative assessment, so that all pupils learn the intended curriculum securely.

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