Barnehurst Junior School in Bexley has been recognised as outstanding by Ofsted in a recent, glowing report.

Ofsted recognised the school’s successes, praising staff for prioritising the wellbeing and safety of everyone in the school community.

At their visit, one pupil reportedly told inspectors: “All staff really care for us here. That’s what makes this school special.”

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Inspectors found comments like these to be commonplace at Barnehurst Junior School, adding that pupils are “proud” of their school and are “keen to talk to visitors.”

The report outlined the staff’s high ambitions at the school and that the curriculum is “enhanced” through clubs, educational visits and regular opportunities to learn outdoors.

Behaviour was found to be good at the school and inspectors recognised that “bullying is rare” at Barnehurst Junior School.

Inspectors added: "Leaders have designed an ambitious curriculum that is based on the national curriculum.

"They have thought carefully about making learning relevant for their pupils. 

"Reading is a priority for leaders. Pupils have opportunities to read regularly.

"Teachers read a variety of books to pupils which are chosen carefully to inspire and motivate.

"Pupils enjoy reading and read a wide range of books by different authors."

However, Ofsted inspectors also found that some pupils "do not read as fluently as they should" but that leaders have plans in place to address this.

Inspectors said safeguarding measures at the school are effective and pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are well supported.

Leaders accurately identify pupils' individual needs and use a range of strategies so that pupils with SEND can access the same curriculum as their peers, according to the report. 

Staff at Barnehurst Junior School say that leaders consider their wellbeing and workload and that this trust allows systems and practices to be "robust".

Louise Shields, headteacher at The Barnehurst Federation of Schools, said: “This is a wonderful testament to our pupils’ enthusiastic approach to learning, the hard work of our dedicated staff and the support of our fantastic parents, carers and wider community. 

"We are always looking to keep raising the bar by evolving and enhancing our provision.

"As such, we look forward to further embedding new ways of working over the coming months whilst continuing to provide high quality education for our young people.”

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