Herne Junior School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 7 February 2023

Pupils are truly known as individuals at this school. They feel safe and nurtured. Relationships between adults and pupils are positive and respectful. Pupils are enthusiastic learners and confident communicators. Leaders are highly ambitious for pupils to be effective global citizens and to achieve well. The school's 'Harmony Values' of motivation, honesty, independence, enjoyment, respect and collaboration are securely at the centre of the school's work. Staff and pupils have a clear, shared understanding of what these values look like in practice and why they are important. Bullying is rare. Pupils really appreciate the 'bully box' where they can post any worries or concerns. Pupils have full confidence that adults deal with any incidents of unkind behaviour swiftly. Leaders' records and parents' comments confirm that this is the case. Pupils value the wide range of opportunities available to them. They are proud of their success in sports competitions. The members of the Eco council passionately educate their peers about caring for our planet. A wealth of playground equipment, including an outdoor gym, ensures that pupils keep active at playtimes. Furthermore, pupils' learning is enriched within the extensive school grounds. The carefully cultivated allotment and beautifully constructed Iron Age round house enhance pupils' curriculum experience.

What the school should improve

• In some subjects, the work that teachers provide does not always allow all pupils to develop a deep understanding. This means that, across the full curriculum, pupils do not always achieve highly. Leaders need to ensure that all teachers provide all pupils, especially the most disadvantaged and pupils with SEND, with consistently demanding work which enables them to acquire deep and detailed knowledge across the whole curriculum.

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