William Austin Junior School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 29 November 2022

Pupils at William Austin Junior show the greatest respect to their friends and teachers. They are happy and safe. Pupils delight in coming to school and enjoy all aspects of 'WA life'. They talk positively about cultural similarities and differences, including valuing different family lifestyles. Pupils speak confidently about the interesting curriculum they study. They show a love of reading and remember many of the authors they have learned about. Pupils are well prepared for their next stage of learning. Relationships between pupils are polite and courteous. Bullying rarely happens. If it does, adults are quick to intervene. Pupils like the many reward systems in school, such as house and ladder points. They are encouraged to embrace the healthy competition among classes and houses. There are a range of responsibilities that pupils can hold. These include head boy, head girl and members of the 'Junior Leadership Team'. Pupils take pride in being great role models. They know that they make a difference in school and to the local community by making decisions that affect others, such as raising money for charities. Pupils take part in many sports and musical experiences. These contribute towards them being ready for high school.

What the school should improve

• In a few subjects, leaders have not clearly defined the expectation of exactly what knowledge pupils should learn and by when. This means that, occasionally, teachers' delivery of these subjects is inconsistent. This leads to some pupils not learning what leaders intend. Leaders must clarify the exact knowledge and vocabulary that all teachers must deliver. Leaders must then ensure that staff follow leaders' improved plans.
• The small group of pupils who are struggling to learn to read are not being taught using a systematic catch-up programme. Consequently, pupils are not improving their reading fast enough. This is affecting pupils' learning in other areas of the curriculum. Leaders must ensure that they develop a consistent approach to the teaching of reading for the pupils who are struggling to learn to read. Leaders must ensure that all staff are trained and understand how to use this approach, so it has the impact leaders expect.

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