Sparkling inspection thrills school leaders
School leaders at Diamond Hall Junior Academy are “thrilled” after their latest Ofsted inspection judged the school to be good in all areas.
Inspectors highlighted that children “enjoy coming to school” and are “engaged in theirlearning”andpraisedstudents for their sensible behaviour and respectful attitude.
The report also identified the “high aspirations” staff haveforallpupilsandthecalm and positive learning environment in the school.
Lead inspector David Milligancommendedtheschoolon its curriculum which was “designed to ensure pupils learn therightknowledgeattheright time”.
He added: “The sequence and ordering of the curriculum helps pupils to remember and apply what they have been taught. Teachers provide daily opportunities for pupils to reflect on what they have previously studied.
"Thecombinationofacarefully planned curriculum and opportunities for pupils to revisitlearningisensuringpupils achieve well.”
Afterbeinginformedofthe judgement, head teacher Fiona Hoare, said: “I am delighted withtheoutcomeofourrecent Ofstedinspection,whichistestamenttothehardworkofstaff who consistently offer pupils an excellent education.
"I’m proud that our efforts toenhanceteachingandlearningacrossallaspectsofthecurriculum and extra-curricular activitieshavebeenrecognised and I’m delighted to be leading our wonderful community schoolintoabrightfuturewith very strong foundations.”
The report also praised the provision for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
Mr Milligan said: “Pupils with SEND achieve well. The special educational needs coordinator gathers information frompupils,parentsandexternal agencies and then works in partnership with teachers. This means teachers can then adapt the curriculum appropriately so that pupils can access content appropriate to their needs.”
Praisewasalsogivenforthe curriculum enrichment experiences afforded to children including visits to High Force, Beamish Museum and Nissan.
Deputy Chief Executive of the North East Learning Trust and Executive Headteacher at DiamondHallJuniorAcademy, Dr Janice Gorlach, added: “Diamond Hall Junior Academy completelylivesuptoourTrust vision and offers children an excellent education every day. Wehaveworkedtirelesslyover the past few years to enhance theschoolenvironment,which is a fantastic place to learn and where ongoing dedication and care makes Diamond Hall a place where children flourish.
"We are thrilled with the Ofsted result and pleased that children are so happy coming to school here.”
Chair of governors, Diane Buckle, added: “The report demonstrates that pupils have beenexperiencingaconsistent level of high-quality teaching and school life and I am excited to see what the future holds for Diamond Hall. Well done to staff, pupils, their families and governors for making the school what it is.”
While the report identified reading had been made a “priority” at the school, one target for development is to improve the opportunities available for pupils to improve their oracy by “embedding targeted activities” into the curriculum.