OFSTED
Our school was last inspected by Ofsted in October 2023. As a result of Wensum’s actions there have been huge improvements in behaviour, attendance and outcomes. We are extremely proud of the progress we have made.
The OFSTED report identified four key areas to improve. Our actions in these areas are outlined below, and these continue to be key areas of focus for the school.
OFSTED: In some subjects, the planned curriculum is not being delivered as intended and leaders do not know how well pupils are learning. As a result, pupils are missing out on learning important concepts. The school should ensure that pupils are gaining all the knowledge and understanding they need in each subject and that staff know what has not been remembered by pupils, using this information to inform teachers’ and subject leaders’ planning.
School Action: Leaders and teachers have implemented high quality question-level analysis to ensure that planning and teaching is appropriate for all learners. This has led to significant improvements in outcomes, moving from 2% to 65% combined in Reading, Writing and Maths in three years. The use of LBQ maths has supported teachers to ensure knowledge is mastered before progressing.
OFSTED: Planning and support for pupils with SEND is not consistently effective. This means that some pupils with SEND do not always access the school’s curriculum offer. The school should ensure that staff have the expertise and training needed to ensure they make appropriate adaptations to meet the needs of all pupils with SEND.
School Action: A new SENCo is in post and needs-specific interventions are in place. Teachers have received regular training to ensure that adaptations are in place in classrooms as part of our quality first teaching offer. The school has evaluated its inclusive offer to enable teacher-planned and assessed provision to support children with specific needs.
OFSTED: The school’s actions to improve pupils’ behaviour are not yet consistently embedded. This means that learning in class is sometimes disrupted. The school should ensure that the agreed policy and procedures are consistently applied by all staff.
School Action: The school has implemented a new behaviour procedure and staff have been fully trained. As a result, behaviour has significantly improved.
OFSTED: Aspects of the school’s work to support pupils’ personal development are new. Pupils are not as well equipped for life in modern Britain as they should be. The school needs to ensure that pupils have the knowledge, understanding and opportunities they need to enable them to be positive citizens in their school and wider community.
School Action: The ‘Wensum Way’ is now a core component of life at Wensum Junior School. Personal development is not just curriculum content but now part of every assembly and interaction. Personal development is now visible across the school and staff interactions with children constantly reinforce honesty, kindness and respect. The school has fully embedded these.
These are just summary actions; much more is happening every day and in every classroom!
You can read the full report here: