Cordwalles Junior School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 12 July 2022

Leaders ensure that the school's values of 'respect, endeavour and succeed' are at the heart of everything they do. Staff are ambitious for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Pupils work hard, enjoy learning and take pride in their achievements. They learn how to show resilience, dealing with life's ups and downs in a mature way. Staff have high expectations of pupils' behaviour. As a result, pupils conduct themselves well and rise to this challenge. As they grow in this safe and nurturing environment, pupils develop confidence and self-esteem. Pupils trust staff to sort out any disagreements and, if bullying occurs, staff deal with it effectively. Pupils relish the opportunity to enrich their learning outdoors in the school's grounds which they have helped to develop. They benefit from a broad range of clubs that help to foster their interests and talents, including sustainability, science, music, sporting and computing. Pupils learn about the importance of treating everyone fairly. They have the opportunity to learn from visitors and take part in activities to celebrate different cultures, faiths, professions and abilities. For example, pupils raised considerable funds for charity while circuit training with a Paralympian.

What the school should improve

• Some staff who teach phonics are still refining their knowledge and skills. Therefore, some of the weakest readers do not learn to read as quickly and confidently as they could. Leaders need to make sure that all staff who teach phonics are well trained and understand the need to ensure that the books pupils read match the sounds that they know.

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