Fairfield Endowed CofE (C) Junior School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school Leaders have shown determination and resolve to improve the quality of teaching and pupils' outcomes. These are now good. Leaders have worked closely with a range of partners.

This has helped leaders to make significant improvements to the quality of education. Pupils' behaviour is good. They have positive relationships with each other and with staff.

They are consistently polite, friendly and helpful. The curriculum is stimulating and engaging. It is enriched by experiences that capture the pupils' interest.

This contributes well to the spiritual, moral and social development of the pupils. Activities are generally well matched ...to meet the pupils' academic needs. However, some activities do not stretch the most able pupils sufficiently, especially in reading and writing.

Disadvantaged pupils and pupils who speak English as an additional language are well supported and make strong progress. Staff ensure that the safety and well-being of the pupils is given the highest priority. The school provides effective support for families and pupils.

Teachers' subject knowledge is strong. Their questioning promotes pupils' reasoning and thinking skills effectively. The quality of leadership at all levels is good.

Middle and subject leaders are effective and staff morale is high. Governors have a secure understanding of the strengths of the school and key priorities for further improvement. They hold the school leaders to account effectively.

The school is highly inclusive. The provision for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) is very effective. However, not all the required documentation linked to this area is in place.

Additional funding to increase and improve sporting provision is well spent. However, too many pupils do not meet the statutory requirements for swimming at the end of Year 6. There has been good progress made in the teaching of reading.

Despite this, some pupils do not enjoy reading and do not read regularly enough to fully develop their comprehension. Errors in grammar and punctuation detract from the quality of some writing across the curriculum.

Information about this school

The school is smaller than the average-sized junior school.

The vast majority of pupils are from White British backgrounds. The proportion of disadvantaged pupils is more than double the national average. The proportion of pupils with SEND is above the national average.