CHILDREN and staff at a primary school in Thornbury are celebrating a new Ofsted grade.

Crossways Junior School was rated as good in all categories including education, behaviour, development and leadership after an inspection in June.

It was the first routine inspection the school in Knapp Road has received since the pandemic.

The report describes pupils as ‘welcoming’ and ‘courteous’ who ‘behave well’ and treat one another with ‘tolerance’ and ‘respect’.

Inspectors describe the curriculum as ‘broad’ and ‘ambitious’ where pupils ‘achieve well’, have strong recall of what they have learned.

Staff were also praised for developing their own knowledge and skills through ‘high-quality training’, the report says.

They were also described as ‘proud’ to work at Crossways. 

“Pupils enjoy their time at Crossways Junior School,” the report reads. 

“Pupils feel cared for and know staff will help them with any worries they have.

“The school has high aspirations for what every pupil can achieve and how they
behave. 

“Pupils who struggle to meet the school’s high expectations receive the support they need so that they can learn, attend and behave well.”

Welcoming the report, headteacher Jo Geoghegan said: “We are delighted with the report and pleased that inspectors recognised the improvements that have been made since their previous visit. 

“Our children were rightly praised for their excellent attitudes and behaviour.   

“Our staff were also deservedly praised for their hard work. 

“Crossways are two unique and fabulous schools where children enjoy their learning every day.   

“We are proud of what we do here and continue to be aspirational for both schools and our community.”

To improve the school was told to ensure that gaps in pupil’s knowledge are systematically identified, both at a class and whole curriculum level.

Inspectors also said that school leaders need to further improve communication with parents.

The report reads: “Bullying is uncommon and is not tolerated. 

“However, a few pupils and parents lack confidence in how well it is dealt with.”

You can view the full report here - tinyurl.com/29hvws7x

Ofsted said on its reports website that from September, it is no longer making an overall effectiveness judgement in inspections of state-funded schools.