Thomas Harding Junior School

Overview

Thomas Harding Junior School provides a high-quality education where pupils feel safe, valued, and proud of their community. The report highlights a "caring and nurturing environment" with "strong" standards in inclusion and personal development, ensuring all pupils, including those with additional needs, are well supported. While achievement and leadership meet the "expected standard," the school is noted for its ambitious curriculum and positive relationships with parents.

Strengths

• Inclusion is rated at a "strong standard," with leaders setting "high expectations for all pupils" and identifying additional needs early to provide timely support.
• Personal development and wellbeing are also at a "strong standard," with a curriculum that reflects the local community and teaches pupils about "fairness, equality and respect."
• Pupils benefit from a "wide range of opportunities" to build confidence, including leading their own clubs and participating in residential trips.
• Staff build "positive, trusting relationships" with families, and parents speak "very positively" about the school’s welcoming environment.
• Behaviour is described as "positive across the school," with bullying being rare and pupils feeling safe and included.

Areas to improve

• Leaders should develop staff expertise in checking pupils' learning to "consistently identify and address any gaps and misconceptions."
• Teaching must support pupils to "consistently build on their letter formation skills" to ensure fluent, accurate, and legible handwriting.

Safeguarding

The safeguarding standards are met, with leaders establishing an "open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility" and concerns are actively managed.