St Stephen's Junior School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 28 February 2023

Leaders and staff know every pupil in this large, inclusive school. Relationships between adults and pupils are a strength. Pupils' well-being is a priority for everyone. The newly introduced 'zones of regulation' are appreciated by pupils to help them identify and manage their emotions. Pupils say that their teachers are kind and always help them to learn. Pupils are happy, respectful and enjoy learning. They develop a real sense of belonging, which is at the heart of the school's values. A group of pupils accurately summed up their school as being 'A child-friendly school where everyone is welcome and where everyone belongs.' Pupils feel safe because they know that adults have time for them and listen to their concerns. Pupils know there is always someone to speak to if they are upset or unhappy about anything. Any bullying is dealt with swiftly and fairly. Pupils know that teachers have high expectations of them and rise to the challenge. Pupils work hard and pay attention in lessons. The vast majority of pupils behave well. Pupils who struggle to regulate their behaviour receive the support they need. Pupils know and understand the school rules, 'ready, respectful, safe'.

What the school should improve

• Leaders' work to review all the curriculum subjects is not yet complete. In a few subjects, there is not the same degree of precision in what pupils need to learn and when as there is in others. Therefore, pupils are not building on or remembering key concepts as well as they might. Leaders need to complete their planned work in all the curriculum subjects to ensure that they make more explicit the important knowledge they want pupils to learn.
• Some pupils who are still at an early stage of learning to read are not catching up quickly enough. This is because the support they receive is not always fully effective. Leaders should ensure that the phonics programme is delivered with sufficient pace and urgency to ensure that pupils catch up quickly and develop the ability to keep up and become fluent, competent readers.
• Some pupils remain concerned about the behaviour of a small minority of pupils. Leaders need to ensure that all staff continue to consistently and relentlessly promote positive behaviour strategies in order to reassure those pupils and parents who have concerns.

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