Silkstone Common Junior and Infant School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 12 October 2022

This is a welcoming and friendly small village school. Staff get to know pupils very well. Relationships are positive. Staff promote the importance of pupils 'succeeding in a happy place'. The school is an inclusive environment. Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities receive timely and effective support. Leaders have high expectations for pupils' behaviour and learning. Pupils are proud of their school and enjoy their lessons. Pupils appreciate the help and care that staff provide. Pupils are kept safe. They learn about bullying and know what to do if it occurs. Incidents of bullying are rare. Pupils are confident that when they do happen, staff will sort them out effectively. They know adults they can talk to when worried. Pupils take pride in holding positions of responsibility. They value the opportunities and activities that are offered to them. They enjoy residential trips and visits to museums. Older pupils like looking after younger pupils and helping them to read. Pupils particularly love the 'paws to read' sessions where they read to Lumi the dog. Many relish the opportunity to perform as part of the school's orchestra.

What the school should improve

• Subject leaders do not have sufficient opportunities to access training and support to develop their expertise. This limits their ability to learn from professionals and share good practice with staff. Leaders should ensure that subject leaders benefit from good-quality training and links with professionals working in other schools and settings to share ideas and learn from others.
• In some subjects, the key knowledge that pupils must learn and remember is not clearly identified. This makes it difficult for teachers to understand how knowledge needs to build logically. Leaders must ensure that the knowledge pupils need to know is clearly identified and sequenced for all subjects.

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