Jotmans Hall Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 3 July 2024

The school's emphasis on regular attendance, happiness and safety creates a positive environment for learning. So, many pupils enjoy coming to school. But pupils' ability to demonstrate what they know through discussion and their schoolwork varies. This is because the explanations, instructions and feedback they receive are not always clear. Also, the opportunities for revision are not working well enough to help pupils to remember content. Pupils base their conduct on the 'E.R.I.C' values: effort, respect, independence and communication. Pupils, for example, show respect in how they kindly discuss the ways people may differ. It shows too in how they invite others to play at break and lunchtimes. Pupils make the most of their social time by chatting and playing in a productive manner. They balance on tyres, exercise on gym equipment and explore the nature trail. There are many opportunities that broaden pupils' horizons. Pupils and their parents appreciate the range of extra-curricular clubs. These include choir, dodgeball and tennis. Pupils can form bands, learn to play instruments and perform for an audience. School trips also enhance learning. For example, Reception-age children visited the theatre. They watched a production of a book they had been studying. These experiences create happy memories and foster pupils' positive attitude towards education.

What the school should improve

• The curriculum refinement from Reception through to Year 6 is incomplete. As a result, staff struggle to effectively check pupils' understanding, impacting their ability to ensure all pupils keep up with learning. Leaders should expedite the refinement process and establish clear methods for staff to assess pupils' learning to closely inform their teaching.
• Staff do not consistently receive feedback on improving their teaching in subjects, like phonics and reading. This creates gaps in teaching quality and additional support, hindering some pupils' progress. Leaders should receive training, time and support to effectively monitor teaching and provide staff with the necessary guidance to teach the curriculum, including early reading, confidently and effectively.
• There are occasional lapses in communication with parents of pupils with SEND about their child's support and how they can help at home. As a result, some parents feel dissatisfied and unaware of the school's efforts. To address this, the school should maintain consistent communication, informing parents about their child's progress, offering guidance on supporting their child at home and providing specific timeframes for follow-up actions.

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