Lincoln Birchwood Junior School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 6 June 2023

Pupils like being at Birchwood Juniors. They are keen to attend and are proud of their school. Staff make pupils feel safe and valued. As one pupil, typical of many, told inspectors, 'They really do care for you here.' Relationships between staff and pupils are warm and respectful. Staff treat pupils with kindness and courtesy. Pupils are thoughtful and considerate in return. Pupils enjoy learning. They have positive attitudes towards their work. Pupils try their best. They are keen to impress their teachers. Pupils strive to wear one of Birchwood's special golden jumpers for showing one of the school's 'dream big powers', such as empathy or resilience. Pupils experience a broad and balanced curriculum. There is also a range of extra- curricular activities to develop their talents and interests. Pupils love the Hive Project. It gives them a chance to try new things. Aspiration is a key word at Birchwood. Leaders are very ambitious for pupils. They have thought very carefully about what pupils need to be successful learners and well-rounded, happy citizens. Everything leaders do contributes towards the achievement of the school's '5 golden threads'. Parents are very positive about the school and the changes that have taken place.

What the school should improve

• In some subjects, pupils do not remember what has been taught previously in sufficient detail. Sometimes, pupils remember activities from the past rather than the underpinning knowledge that they need to retain. This prevents pupils from building on what they have already covered and deepening their understanding over time. Leaders should review their approach to the recall of prior learning so that teachers routinely revisit the key content that pupils need to use again, helping them to remember it over the long term.

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