Coates Way JMI and Nursery School
Coates Way, Garston, Watford, WD25 9NWOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)
Coates Way JMI and Nursery School is a primary school in Watford for ages 3 to 11. It is one of the 583 schools in Hertfordshire. It ranks 27th of 29 primary schools in Watford. Its latest Ofsted inspection, in September 2024, graded each key judgement and gave no overall Ofsted rating.
Ofsted inspection
Inspected 24 September 2024, report published 16 October 2024
This inspection graded each key judgement and gave no overall effectiveness grade.
- Quality of education
- Good
- Behaviour and attitudes
- Good
- Personal development
- Good
- Leadership and management
- Good
- Early years provision
- Good
- Safeguarding
- Met
What Ofsted said
From the inspection on 24 September 2024
The school is a friendly and nurturing environment. Pupils' well-being is at the heart of the school's work. Staff are vigilant in picking up any signs that pupils need help, including with their emotional and mental health. The school offers various strategies to support pupils and give them a safe space to talk. These include lunchtime well-being 'drop-ins' and play therapy. Staff have high expectations of pupils. Pupils follow the school rules and work hard in lessons. In social times, pupils from different year groups play well together. Pupils are keen to help others and take on responsibility. For example, pupils who are 'play leaders' distribute and collect playground equipment, and 'pupil champions' propose ideas to improve the school. The school enriches the curriculum to broaden pupils' understanding of the world. For example, pupils in Year 6 get to try out their language skills during their residential trip to France. As part of their learning about healthy lifestyles, pupils make nutritional snacks and enjoy getting some fresh air during the 'daily mile.' Music is an important part of school life, with weekly singing assemblies and opportunities to perform in concerts and the school's summer fair.
What the school should improve
- In some foundation subjects, changes to the curriculum are not fully embedded. Staff are still getting used to the new curriculum content. Many subject leaders in these areas are new to role. They are in the process of adapting the curriculum to address gaps in pupils' knowledge. The school should ensure that they embed changes to the curriculum and continue to develop the leadership skills of subject leaders.
- In early years, the curriculum for children's development of communication and language is not as strong as in other areas of learning. On occasion, staff lack precision and do not consistently support children's language development. The school should review this aspect of the curriculum, ensuring that staff have a clear understanding of how to support children's communication and language.
Exam results
SATs results (key stage 2), 2024/25
30 pupils took the tests
Pupil numbers and mix
223 pupils on roll, with places for 236
Schools near Coates Way JMI and Nursery School
| School | Distance | Ofsted | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| St Catherine of Siena Catholic Primary School | 0.3 miles | Ofsted: Good | 71% met the expected standard |
| Mount Pleasant Lane Primary School | 0.8 miles | Ofsted: Good | 53% met the expected standard |
| Stanborough Primary School | 0.8 miles | Ofsted: Good | Not published |
| The Grove Academy | 0.8 miles | Ofsted judgements: Good to outstanding | 64% met the expected standard |
| Alban Wood Primary School and Nursery | 0.9 miles | Ofsted: Good | 74% met the expected standard |
School details
- School type
- Community school
- Sector
- Local authority maintained
- Age range
- 3 to 11
- Gender
- Mixed
- Nursery classes
- Yes
- Headteacher
- Mrs Fiona Hayes
- Phone
- 01923670341
- Address
- Coates Way, Garston, Watford, WD25 9NW
- Local authority
- Hertfordshire
- URN
- 117340
School details from Get Information about Schools, 17 September 2026. Ofsted outcomes published to 31 August 2026. Exam results for 2024/25 from the Department for Education. Pupil mix from the school census, 2025/26.