Gaddesden Row JMI School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 18 October 2023

Pupils treasure their small and happy school. Everybody cares for each other, and this makes the school feel 'like a family'. As a result, pupils feel happy and safe. Older pupils are patient and nurturing towards the younger pupils. At lunchtime, for example, Year 6 pupils kindly attempt to explain the rules of chess to children in Reception. Pupils learn the importance of respecting diversity. They embrace this. Pupils know a lot about different cultures and faiths. For example, they remembered details about Diwali and made connections to the fireworks they saw at home during the festival. The school has high expectations of pupils' behaviour. Consequently, they behave well and work hard. Pupils follow teachers' instructions carefully. They learn well across a broad range of subjects. Pupils benefit from how lessons draw them in. Teachers use clear explanations and instructions that build on what pupils already know. Pupils like completing various activities as a whole school. They enjoyed recent trips to the zoo and a museum in London. Pupils also enjoy a range of after-school activities. These include football and a relaxation club.

What the school should improve

• Sometimes, leaders and staff do not have high enough expectations. Checks on pupils' recorded work can lack rigour. As a result, some pupils are not set up for success, leading to pupils making avoidable mistakes. Leaders should ensure that staff insist that pupils realise the high aims of the school curriculum through the appropriate completion of the activities.
• Though attendance is improving, there remains a proportion of pupils who do not attend school frequently enough. This creates gaps in pupils' knowledge and understanding. The school should ensure that the timely support and challenge offered to pupils and their families quickly leads to improved attendance.

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