John Taylor Free School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 14 February 2023

Leaders and staff expect all pupils to achieve well at this new school. Pupils usually develop a good understanding of the subjects they study. The number of pupils in the school has grown rapidly since it first opened. Pupils from a broad range of backgrounds and cultures attend the school. It is a diverse and vibrant place to learn. Pupils attend regularly and most are proud of their school. They usually make the most of opportunities to learn the curriculum and are enthusiastic about the enrichment activities offered. The school provides an attractive and secure environment for pupils. Staff deal with any bullying when it occurs. This helps pupils to feel safe. Most pupils support each other as they learn. Staff accurately identify pupils' special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). They ensure that pupils with SEND are taught well. Most pupils have positive attitudes to learning. However, staff absence has led to inconsistency in the way that adults manage pupils' behaviour. As a result, a few pupils do not display the positive behaviour or learning habits that leaders expect. Leaders recognise the concerns that some parents and carers, staff and pupils have about behaviour. They are tackling these concerns with urgency and behaviour is improving.

What the school should improve

• Leaders have set out the basic routines and behaviour they expect to see in classrooms and at social times. However, there is variation in how well staff adhere to these and how effectively they manage pupils' behaviour. Consequently, pupils do not always behave as well as leaders expect. Leaders should continue to support and develop all staff so that they manage pupils' behaviour consistently well.

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