Shottermill Junior School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 12 November 2024

Pupils thoroughly enjoy their time here. It is rare for them to miss school because they want to make the most of every day. They feel well cared for and know staff will help them if they have any worries. The school guides them carefully in how to keep themselves safe, including when learning about online safety. Pupils are proud of their school. They talk enthusiastically about the many opportunities they have to take on responsibilities such as sports or eco-councillors. They really enjoy and benefit from the wide range of subjects they learn, including specialist art and music facilities. Pupils value the support they receive for reading, such as 'library time' and the 'book clubs' where teachers share a book with pupils. They also like the many extra- curricular activities offered and using the swimming pool and woodland areas. The school has high expectations for pupils' learning and behaviour. Staff know pupils well and work hard to support them. As a result, these expectations are typically achieved, with most classrooms involving a buzz of activity. The school provides very high-quality support for pupils' wider development so they learn to treat each other with great respect and care. Pupils know that any unkind behaviour, once reported to staff, will be tackled.

What the school should improve

• Occasionally, teachers do not check that all pupils have understood new learning. This means pupils who have not understood fully are left unclear about what to do next, which hinders their learning. The school should support teachers to refine their work on this area of practice.
• A few pupils find it hard to sustain their focus on learning and are not supported to sustain their engagement. As a result, they achieve less. The school should work with staff to ensure strategies are effective in enabling all pupils to concentrate consistently well.

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