Knowsley Junior School

Overview

The report describes a school where pupils are “friendly,” “respectful,” and “keen to share their learning.” Leaders have designed a “well-thought-out curriculum” that supports pupils well, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities. While the overall effectiveness is rated as Good, the report notes that curriculum planning in some subjects is still being refined following pandemic disruptions.

Strengths

• Pupils display “positive attitudes to learning,” are “attentive in lessons,” and “support each other well.”
• The curriculum is “meaningful and interesting,” helping pupils “make connections between different subjects and topics.”
• Leaders have taken “effective action” to address missing phonics knowledge, ensuring pupils “catch-up quickly.”
• Staff feel “valued and well supported,” with leaders being “highly considerate of their workload and well-being.”
• Pupils are taught to “respectfully consider moral issues” and “embrace difference,” developing a “strong sense of their personal identity.”

Areas to improve

• Leaders should “finalise their curriculum thinking” in some subjects to ensure teachers have the guidance needed to build on pupils’ learning effectively.
• Leaders must ensure “effective assessment systems” are in place so teachers can accurately check whether pupils have learned the intended knowledge, addressing currently “uneven” learning in some areas.
• Leaders need to complete the process of reviewing the curriculum in all subjects within their identified timescale.

Safeguarding

The report states that “the arrangements for safeguarding are effective,” with staff being “vigilant” and providing “effective pastoral support” for pupils’ mental and emotional health.