Whitehall Junior Community School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 2 November 2022

At the heart of Whitehall Junior are the values of determination, honesty, respect, passion, teamwork and self-belief. Pupils demonstrate these through their learning and play. Pupils appreciate the care staff show them and feel happy and safe in school. Staff place a high priority on supporting pupils' and families' well-being. They provide a wealth of support to ensure that pupils and families get help when needed. Leaders and teachers are ambitious for all pupils. They have successfully developed a curriculum to enable pupils to achieve well, especially in reading and mathematics. Pupils are proud of their library and love to read and share books there. The library also provides opportunities for the whole school community to come together. Leaders are continuing to develop the curriculum to ensure that pupils achieve well in all subjects. The school is very inclusive. The effective support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) means that they are fully included in school life and make good progress. Pupils behave well and are eager to learn. Teachers make sure that pupils follow the school rules, but also support pupils who need help to manage their behaviour. Staff protect pupils from bullying and sort out any issues quickly.

What the school should improve

• Curriculum planning does not clearly identify and sequence what knowledge pupils need to know and remember from one year to the next in some subjects. Pupils are not able to confidently recall and then build on what they have learned previously as well as they should in these subjects. Leaders should make sure that all curriculum planning carefully identifies and sequences the knowledge pupils need to learn in each year group to enable them to build on their prior learning more successfully.
• Teachers do not ensure that pupils are able to make secure links between their PSHE learning and fundamental British values, including their knowledge of diversity, other faiths and citizenship. Consequently, pupils have a limited understanding of the importance of British values. Leaders should ensure that teachers help pupils to make clear links between their PSHE learning and fundamental British values to fully prepare them for the next stage of their education.

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