Priory Junior School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 9 November 2022

Pupils speak with fondness about their school experiences. On the playground and when in lessons, pupils treat each other with kindness. They are considerate towards each other's needs. For example, on the playground, pupils ensure that nobody is left to feel lonely or without someone to play with. Pupils show understanding for those who find it hard to manage their emotions. Pupils are supported to understand and manage negative feelings positively. Pupils are safe. They feel that adults look after them well. Pupils know how to stay safe and what to do if they have concerns. They feel confident that, if they were worried about something, members of staff would willingly listen and help find solutions. On the rare occasions when bullying happens, staff deal with it well and it stops. Pupils work hard to live up to leaders' high expectations. Pupils understand the value of learning and are proud of their achievements, including in the headteacher's award and the 'Aspirational Me' award. They enjoy and benefit from the many opportunities leaders provide for them to develop their talents and interests. Pupils are particularly proud of the high levels of success the school reaches in sport.

What the school should improve

• Staff do not always follow guidance or provide exactly what pupils with SEND need. When this happens, pupils with SEND do not learn as well as they could. Leaders must ensure that staff have access to any training needed and follow guidance. This is so that they adapt their teaching effectively to support effective learning for all pupils with SEND.
• In some areas of the curriculum, leaders have not clarified exactly what pupils must learn and what teachers should revisit over time. As a result, teachers do not teach all key knowledge effectively, based on what pupils do or do not know, and pupils sometimes forget what was previously taught. Leaders must outline and order the specific knowledge they expect pupils to learn in all curriculum subjects, so that pupils achieve well in all curriculum areas.

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