A "SMALLER-than-average" junior school has retained the rating it was awarded by education watchdogs six years ago.

Calmore Junior School, which has less than 240 pupils, has again been rated "good" by Ofsted following a two-day inspection carried out in February.

The inspector's report says: "Pupils thrive at this friendly, welcoming school.

"Leaders are ambitious for pupils to learn a wide range of subjects well. They want all pupils to discover their talents and to excel.

"All pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities are supported to do their best."

The report praises the pupils' behaviour, describing them as calm, focused and engaged in lessons.


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It adds: "Pupils are taught to show high levels of consideration towards their peers and towards other people.

"Bullying is not tolerated. On the rare occasions that bullying happens, pupils are confident that adults will deal with it quickly.

"Pupils’ achievements in mathematics and art are particularly strong. Teachers’ strong subject knowledge means they can routinely check pupils’ understanding and plan activities to strengthen and deepen this during lessons.

"However in some subjects, for example design and technology and music, teachers’ subject knowledge is less well developed."

Another section of the report says: "Leaders have established a strong culture of safeguarding.

"There are clear systems in place to identify pupils who are at risk of harm. Leaders tackle all concerns about pupils as soon as they are identified.

"Leaders make sure children and families in need of additional support access this quickly when they need it. Record-keeping is thorough and systematic.

"Pupils are taught how to keep themselves safe.

"They have a clear, age-appropriate knowledge of how to keep themselves safe online and know where to go for help if they need to."

The inspection was the first at the school since the pandemic began.

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