Poulner Junior School’s ambition and pride praised in latest Ofsted inspection

A RINGWOOD school was lauded as an “ambitious for all pupils to achieve well”, during its latest Ofsted inspection.

Rated ‘good’ following its previous inspection, Poulner Junior School was now said to have maintained its standards, but the education watchdog said it needed to improve learning for disadvantaged pupils.

Inspectors visited the school on 12 and 13th November, and observed youngsters’ “pride and keenness to share what they were learning”.

“Pupils enjoy coming to this happy school,” the report said.

“The school’s ‘Heart’ values of honesty, excellence, attitude, respect and thoughtfulness are threaded through all aspects of school life. Pupils wear their Heart badges with pride.”

Pupils’ “knowledge and understanding of the consequences of their actions” also impressed inspectors as they showed “respect and understanding for others”.

“Leaders, including governors, are committed to providing the best-quality education for their pupils,” the report continued.

“Overall, pupils achieve well and are ready for their next stage of education.

“The school prioritises teaching pupils to read confidently. Pupils read and enjoy a wide range of quality texts.”

Teachers were praised for their “strong” subject knowledge, and for providing increased opportunities for pupils to retrieve their learning.

But the report added: “The school is aware that teachers need to make more adaptations to ensure that disadvantaged pupils with barriers to their learning progress well through the intended curriculum.”

This was highlighted as an area for improvement, although the report recognised procedures were in place to ensure pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) were quickly identified and given support.

Pupils were also found to learn the importance of “fundamental British values”, with studies of varied religions and cultures backed up by visits to places of worship.

“They know the attributes they need to become a responsible citizen of the future,” the report said.

“Pupils know that discrimination is wrong and that everyone should have the same opportunities, regardless of any differences that they may have.”

Inspectors also observed high staff morale.

The school’s previous ‘good’ rating came before September when Ofsted changed its reporting system to ungraded inspections.