Furze Platt Juniors praised for pupils’ behaviour and personal development

Furze Platt Junior School has been rated either Good or Outstanding in all aspects of its education following an inspection by Ofsted.

Inspectors from the education watchdog visited the school, in Oaken Grove, in July to carry out its first graded inspection since the school was rated Outstanding in 2018.

Ofsted held an ungraded inspection at the junior school in February last year.

Inspectors felt no need to change its overall judgement at the time but they noted the school’s inspection grade ‘might not be as high’ as 2018 if a graded inspection had been carried out.

The education watchdog has now scrapped overall effectiveness grades following widespread calls for an overhaul of the system due to the negative impact on schoolteachers.

Specific elements of school life continue to be rated individually – and Furze Platt Junior School’s latest report saw it rated either Good or Outstanding across four categories.

It was rated Good for quality of education and its leadership/management, and Outstanding for behaviour/attitudes and personal development.

In its report, Ofsted inspectors wrote: “Pupils thrive in this inclusive and nurturing school.

“[They] speak with enthusiasm about their learning and the wide range of opportunities available to them.”

Relationships between staff and pupils are ‘warm and respectful’, added the inspectors.

“Pupils feel safe and happy. They know that adults will listen and help them if they have any concerns,” they wrote.

Pupils have a ‘strong understanding’ of the school’s expectations and routines. They are ‘courteous and show high levels of self-control.’

Furze Platt Junior provides a ‘rich and varied curriculum’ complemented by a ‘vast’ offering of clubs, trips and leadership roles.

Pupils demonstrate ‘a mature understanding of equality, diversity and the importance of treating everyone with respect.’

Reading is ‘a clear priority’ at Furze Platt Junior School, Ofsted said.

Teachers promote a love of reading by choosing good books and setting up engaging activities.

Pupils who need extra help receive targeted support which helps most pupils to become fluent readers.

In general, teachers adapt activities to meet the needs of all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). They benefit from ‘well-considered support’.

Moreover, since the previous inspection, leaders have taken action to improve the quality of education for pupils with SEND in particular.

However, some disadvantaged pupils do not achieve as highly as they could, the report added.

“Occasionally, the teaching of writing does not address pupils’ misconceptions quickly enough,” Ofsted’s inspectors wrote.

“The school should ensure that staff have the expertise to identify and correct errors promptly.”

In general, children ‘have an appetite to learn’ and are keen to attend school. They are ‘kind and supportive of each other’ and behave ‘exceptionally well’.

In addition, Furze Platt Junior School is ‘calm and orderly’, and pupils understand the importance of making positive choices.

“The school has designed a remarkably broad and age-appropriate programme for pupils personal development,” wrote Ofsted.

“Through these experiences, pupils develop essential life skills and practical knowledge that prepares them for life beyond school.”