Poulner Junior School was inspected on November 12 and 13 and it was identified by inspector Becky Greenhalgh to have maintained its Ofsted ‘good’ rating, in its first inspection since the pandemic.
Inspections rate schools as ‘outstanding’, ‘good’, ‘requires improvement’ or ‘inadequate’.
The school, which educates 271 pupils between the ages of 7 and 11, is said to be “ambitious” for pupils to do well – and “pupils do their best to meet these high expectations”.
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Children are “proud” of the school and were “keen” to tell visitors about their learning, for example, the year four class “enthusiastically” explained to the inspector how to construct a Viking longhouse.
The inspector identified that the school prioritises teaching pupils to read confidently, and those pupils who are not reading fluently engage in a “well-sequenced phonics curriculum” which teachers deliver “to a high standard”.
Teachers have strong “subject knowledge”, the inspector found, and the start of each lesson involves teachers recapping previous learning.
Another priority for the school is identified as “personal development”, with HEART values – honesty, excellence, attitude, respect and thoughtfulness – “threaded through all aspects of school life”.
Poulner Junior School in Ringwood (Image: Google Maps)
The HEART values are said to ensure “pupils learn the importance of fundamental British values”, as well as studying a variety of different religions and cultures including visits to different places of worship.
“Pupils know that discrimination is wrong and that everyone should have the same opportunities, regardless of any differences that they may have”, the report added, “they know the attributes they need to become a responsible citizen of the future”.
Pupils are often given opportunities to take on leadership roles, such as house captains, play leaders and sports leaders, as well as charity events.
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The report said: “At the time of the inspection, pupils were eagerly looking forward to raising money for charity by breaking ‘school rules’, such as dressing to express or wearing their hair down.”
Staff are said to be “proud” to be part of the school, with “high morale” and “appreciate” the efforts of governors who assist in managing their workload. Governance is identified as a “strength” of the school.
To view the full report, click here.