“Ask it basket?” That sounds intriguing. Welcome to Moss Hall Junior School. It is a place where pupils are happy and safe. Leaders and governors have high ambitions for the school. They encourage pupils to be kind, work hard and make a difference.
Moss Hall Junior School is located at 187 Nether Street Finchley in London. The school houses 447 pupils. Its capacity allows for 480. The age range is 7 to 11 years. Clare Dyson is the head teacher.
Pupils enjoy their lessons. They like discussing important issues. One example is the impact of urbanization on the Amazon rainforest. All pupils achieve well including those with special educational needs. Pupils understand that all adults expect them to behave respectfully. They are thoughtful and courteous. If pupils have worries they speak to an adult. They can also write them down and put them in the ‘ask it basket’.
Moss Hall Junior School ensures that pupils understand what bullying is. If it occurs pupils tell adults. The adults resolve things swiftly. Leaders provide clubs trips and activities to support learning. Every pupil learns to play a musical instrument. Members of the school parliament promote positive character traits. They talk about resilience when finding things difficult.
The school has planned a new broad and ambitious curriculum. Each subject has a subject champion. This person ensures learning is sequenced logically. Pupils use prior knowledge to support current learning. In mathematics Year 5 pupils use knowledge of fractions. They describe the amount of turn in an angle. In geography pupils in Year 5 learn about rivers in the United Kingdom. Then they scale up to the Amazon River.
Teachers recap key knowledge and vocabulary regularly. Pupils in Year 4 music recalled their knowledge of crotchets and quavers. They composed a melody in the 3/4 time signature. Pupils in Year 6 understand the reliability of historical sources.
Reading is a priority at Moss Hall Junior School. In September 2021 leaders introduced a new phonics program. It aligns with the program in the infant school. Staff receive training to teach reading. Books match the sounds that pupils know. This helps those new to reading catch up quickly.
Pupils move calmly around the school. Staff create purposeful learning environments. Low-level disruption is not tolerated. Behaviour in classrooms is positive. Teaching delivers the curriculum well. Leaders adapt practices. Pupils with special needs are identified early. They are supported effectively. Each pupil with special needs has an individual learning plan. It is written with the pupil teacher parent and leaders. Class teachers use the plans to anticipate where pupils might struggle. They scaffold learning by pre-teaching vocabulary before lessons.
Pupils respect differences. For example Year 6 pupils learn about tolerance. They link this value to every person’s right to a fair trial. Pupils are taught to stay healthy. They have regular physical education sessions each week. This includes swimming.
Staff appreciate the way leaders help them with workload and well-being. They value the coaching provided by senior leaders. Leaders invest time in developing middle leaders. This ensures that the curriculum continues to evolve.
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective at Moss Hall Junior School. Staff are alert to signs pupils may display if they are at risk of harm. They understand how to refer concerns. Leaders ensure everyone understands safeguarding responsibilities. This includes promoting awareness of local risks. Leaders engage with external agencies to help pupils. Online safety is a focus. The computing curriculum covers issues such as cyber-bullying. Members of the governing body perform their duties effectively.
Moss Hall Junior School received a “Good” rating in its Ofsted inspection on July 5 2022. The report highlighted good performance in quality of education behaviour and attitudes personal development and leadership and management.
So as you leave Moss Hall Junior School consider the ask it basket. Reflect on the kindness respect and ambition fostered within these walls. It is a place where every child is encouraged to achieve their full potential.