Fir Tree Junior School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 6 July 2022

Pupils thrive at this friendly, welcoming school. Leaders place the school values of respect, tolerance, courage, friendship, perseverance and responsibility at the heart of their work, reinforcing them through assemblies and lessons. Pupils understand the importance of the values by seeing how they are demonstrated in the lives of inspirational people. As one pupil said, 'Our values are important as these are what we need to be successful in life when we are adults'. Leaders aspire for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), to achieve well. They make appropriate adaptations in lessons to ensure that all pupils understand what they are learning. Pupils behave well. They are taught to show high levels of consideration towards their peers and towards other people. Bullying is not tolerated. On the rare occasions that bullying happens, adults deal with it quickly and effectively. Pupils enjoy making a difference to their school, the local community and the wider world. They are rightly proud that they grow fruit and vegetables in the school allotment for use in school dinners. Pupils have raised money for both local and international causes, including a local animal rescue centre and funding tree planting for a community in Tanzania.

What the school should improve

• Teachers' subject knowledge is not as strong in some subjects as others. Where this is the case, pupils do not always learn as well as they could. Leaders need to strengthen teachers' pedagogical content knowledge so that they ensure pupils learn and remember the intended curriculum.

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