Fordingbridge Junior School in Pennys Lane rated ‘good’ by Ofsted

A FORDINGBRIDGE school which “ensures everyone is included” has been rated as ‘good’ by Ofsted.

Fordingbridge Junior in Pennys Lane teaches 220 pupils aged between seven and 11.

Ofsted inspectors found the school’s values of kindness, honesty, respect, responsibility and effort were “woven into every part of school life” when they visited on 19th and 20th April.

A report said pupils felt safe and happy and enjoy their learning, with inspectors noting warm and positive relationships between staff and pupils.

It added: “Everyone is included and involved in this school. Pupils behave extremely well in lessons and are focused on their work.

“Pupils are taught life skills needed to succeed in modern Britain and they understand the meaning of respect and tolerance and say that everyone is welcome.

“Parents are extremely supportive of the school and value how much the school not just supports pupils but the whole family.”

Bullying is rare, inspectors found, and pupils know if it did happen it would be dealt with swiftly.

Leaders were said to have high expectations for all pupils and want to nurture the whole child and give them the tools needed to be successful individuals.

Staff are skilled in adapting the curriculum for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), said Ofsted, and are quick to identify pupils who need additional support with their learning.

The report added: “Reading is a high priority for all staff in this school.

“The recent introduction of a phonics scheme is already well embedded and used to support pupils to catch up.”

The school was praised for the way it provided a wide range of opportunities for pupils to develop their own leadership skills through school councils, subject ambassadors and prefects.

Pupils are also enthused by the opportunities to take part in a range of sporting activities and competitions.

The report concluded: “The school is extremely well led and managed and leaders are passionate about ensuring that pupils strive to reach their full potential.

“Staff are overwhelmingly proud of their school and feel well supported by leaders.”

While the school was rated as ‘good’ overall, inspectors said two areas – behaviour and attitudes as well as personal development – were ‘outstanding’.

Executive headteacher Kim Robertson told the A&T: “I truly believe the areas where we got outstanding are the areas that really matter.

“We care and look after our families and children and encourage them to be the best they can be – this shines through in the report.”

She added: “The senior leadership team and governors are extremely pleased with the outcome and are thankful for all the support they are given by hard working members of staff, children and parents to ensure the best possible outcomes for all school families.”