Ernehale Junior School in Arnold has been graded a GOOD school during its recent Ofsted inspection.
The report said the school has ‘high expectations of what pupils can achieve, personally and academically’ going on to say, ‘pupils know that their teachers believe in them and are there to help them reach their full potential. In lessons pupils give their complete attention. They are ready to answer their teachers’ questions, share their opinions or read confidently in front of their peers.’
The school is praised in the report for prioritising reading and bringing learning to life for pupils. Staff were found to demonstrate high levels of care for their pupils. It said, ‘Pupils enjoy school and attend well. They unanimously agree that they would recommend Ernehale Junior School to a friend.’
Inspectors said children’s manners were ‘superb’ stating, ‘They greet visitors politely, ask how their day is and offer to shake hands. They get on well together. They encourage each other to follow the school’s values: ‘aim high, be their best and to choose kindness’.’
The school’s curriculum is described as ‘highly ambitious’ and ‘designed to provide pupils with a deep understanding of each subject.’ The report says, ‘The curriculum is planned with meticulous care. Staff know precisely what they need to teach and when. Teachers ensure that pupils remember vital learning from previous lessons. Each lesson begins with a ‘reactivate’ task so that pupils have opportunities to recall this key knowledge. Pupils understand why this is important. One pupil said: ‘It gets our brains learning’.’
‘Pupils’ wider development is prioritised’ said the report, ‘Pupils develop leadership skills that will: ‘empower them to make a difference’.’
Safeguarding was found to be effective at the school.
Carmel Atkinson is Headteacher at Ernehale Junior School and said, “We are delighted that the report has recognised so many positive aspects of the school. Our children were fantastic during the inspection and made us so proud. I would like to thank the staff team for their dedication and hard work; for truly making every day count for our children. Ernehale Junior’s is such a wonderful school, and this is thanks to our parents and carers working in partnership with the staff team to provide the very best they can for our wonderful Ernehale children.”
