Good news for Hammond Junior School

Ofsted visited Hammond Junior School in February for a routine, ungraded inspection following the previous visit in 2018. The inspector found that Hammond continues to be a ‘good’ school which pupils enjoy attending and are proud of, where they “work hard and produce high quality outcomes”.

The inspector praised the “broad and balanced education (which) stretches beyond learning in the classroom”, recognising that the school’s “rich offer of activities allows pupils to develop new interests and talents” and noting how pupils “delight” at the growing number of curriculum-based enrichment activities. The report also mentions how the curriculum “goes beyond the academic with a comprehensive personal development programme”, and that children are taught about being inclusive and valuing difference which creates a “harmonious environment where everyone feels welcome.”

The inspector recognised that the curriculum is “well planned and ambitious”, with leaders ensuring it has been carefully sequenced so children gain essential knowledge through key concepts and strong links between subjects. The report also highlights how leaders have “clear oversight of all subjects and have provided teachers with effective support and guidance to introduce newer aspects of the curriculum” and because of this staff feel well supported and value the opportunities to work with partner schools in the Trust.

The inspection report commends how “Leaders and teachers work well together to ensure pupils’ additional needs are accurately identified and to ensure that support is provided in a timely way,” and notes that there is good support in place for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities to ensure they are able to learn successfully alongside their peers.

It is pleasing that the inspector saw how the children love to read and have multiple opportunities to read throughout the school day. The report states that “The reading curriculum and extra help for phonics are well planned to ensure all pupils read with confidence and fluency,” praising the “varied and diverse” reading spine which “immerses pupils in high quality literature”.

Executive Headteacher Lee Parsons commented, “we are delighted with the outcome of this inspection, and that the Ofsted inspector saw the strength of our curriculum and broad educational offer. As mentioned in the report, we remain committed to rebuilding meaningful relationships with our families and will continue to develop these. I am incredibly proud of the whole team at Hammond, and everything we do every day for our children.”

The full report is available here.