Garden Fields Junior Mixed and Infant School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 10 December 2024

The school has developed a highly inclusive culture where everyone is welcome. Pupils and staff feel a strong sense of community. The school focuses on nurturing the all-round development of every pupil. The pupils are happy, safe and enjoy learning. A well-considered curriculum, underpinned by the school's aspirational aims, enables pupils to learn and achieve well. Staff maintain high expectations for behaviour, beginning as soon as children join the school. Children in the early years demonstrate kindness and respect towards others. This continues throughout the school, where pupils act in a calm and respectful manner. Relationships between staff and pupils are positive and supportive. Pupils know that if they have a worry, they can speak to an adult who will help them. The school provides tailored emotional support groups, fostering confidence and resilience in pupils. The school cultivates a culture of inclusivity and respect through its ambassador roles. These ambassadors actively promote their focus areas, such as raising awareness of diversity. They also act as role models for younger pupils, demonstrating positive behaviours and teaching practical strategies for managing conflict and emotions. Through these roles, pupils develop confidence and leadership skills.

What the school should improve

• In some foundation subjects, opportunities for pupils to retrieve subject-specific skills over time are not fully embedded. As a result, some pupils struggle to connect new learning with what they have previously learned. The school needs to refine its curriculum approaches in these subjects, ensuring that pupils can connect with and build on previous learning to deepen their understanding and knowledge effectively over time.

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