Dear Parent and Carers, 

I am delighted to announce that our recent Ofsted inspection at Hiltingbury Junior School has now been published. As we have shared previously in our school communications, the Ofsted framework has changed for all schools since Hiltingbury’s previous inspection in 2008 and has moved away from data assessed inspections. The new framework now includes a judgement based on the quality of education, ensuring a more comprehensive view of the curriculum design and delivery. Through our self evaluation, our school improvement plan identified areas for development which you will see reflected in the grade change for the school as an overall judgement grade of ‘Good’ was awarded. 

The Inspection team that visited us were very thorough throughout the inspection and put all staff and children at ease during the two days. We were open and transparent around all aspects of school life and provided a range of evidence to support the process. We are particularly pleased that Ofsted recognised the journey of improvements made at the school over the past two years and that the hard work undertaken by all in the school community has been recognised, including the safeguarding procedures and systems in place, the reflective and driven nature of staff and governors and the dedication of the children to school life.  

During the two days there were ‘deep dives’ in core and foundation subjects with our subject leaders; Maths (Mrs Coking), Geography (Miss Bristow), Science (Miss Chambers), Reading (Miss Downer and Miss Loosemore) and RE (Mrs Preston) with the lead inspector’s aim of reviewing the impact of leadership and progress in these subjects. Each subject leader carried out a range of activities with inspectors including lesson observations, pupil conferencing, interviews and book scrutinies. The Ofsted team were unanimous in praising the commitment of our staff and attitudes of the children: recognising how proud they are of their school.

‘The school’s warm, welcoming and upbeat atmosphere reflects its core values of

respectfulness, kindness, honesty, equality and resilience. Staff and pupils smile

often and greet visitors warmly. Pupils speak with pride about their school and all

that they have learned.”

The inspection was also an opportunity to share our school improvement plan, which is already in action, to continue to develop both high-quality inclusive teaching practice and the design and implementation of our new, updated whole school curriculum. Through implementing this we aim to improve the education and experiences we bring to our children and the role we play in the wider community. These strategic developments are both reflected in the next steps identified by the Ofsted Inspection team. 

Hiltingbury Junior School Ofsted report 2023 represents our school, which is not only good, but is ambitious in improving, with the children at the heart of our school development. The report is a reflection of the hard work, high standards, and resilience of our wonderful children, staff and governors, and I am immensely proud of, and grateful to, all. 

Once again, may I thank all those involved in the inspection itself, especially the staff, governors and children who continue to provide a positive to school life. We look forward to continuing to work with the whole school community to achieve the best for every child. 

Best wishes, 

Zoe Loosemore

Headteacher