SJM Academy
FAQ's
Frequently Asked Questions
🌟 How many children are usually in each Reception class?
We are a one-form entry primary school, which means we can welcome up to 30 children into Reception each year. In recent years, our cohorts have often been smaller, allowing us to get to know every child really well and provide a warm, nurturing start to school life.
🌿 Do Reception children take part in outdoor learning?
Yes, they do! While we do not currently run a formal Forest School programme, outdoor learning is an important part of our curriculum. Children regularly explore, investigate and learn outdoors on our school grounds and playing field.
We are also excited to be introducing Beach School experiences this year, giving Reception children the opportunity to learn in our wonderful local environment and develop confidence, curiosity and resilience through outdoor experiences.
🎨 What enrichment opportunities do Reception children enjoy?
We believe childhood should be full of memorable experiences that inspire learning and create lasting memories. Recent opportunities for Reception children have included:
🐑 Farm visits
⛪ Visits to our local church
🏖️ Beach visits and outdoor learning experiences
🎭 Whole-school Christmas pantomime visits
🌈 Colour Runs and fundraising events
🏅 Sports Day and sporting festivals
🚒 Visits from emergency services and local professionals
⭐ Leadership opportunities through Worship Team, Friendship Leaders, School Council and Online Safety Leaders
We love seeing children discover new interests, develop confidence and experience the world beyond the classroom.
⭐ Can Reception children join after-school clubs?
Absolutely! We generally encourage children to settle into school routines first, but there are still plenty of opportunities to get involved.
Recent clubs available to Reception children have included:
📖 Bible Club
🧱 Construction Club
🎲 Board Games Club
🎨 Art Club
🥋 Kickboxing Club
Our club timetable changes each term, providing children with a variety of exciting experiences throughout the year.
🏊 When do children start swimming lessons?
Swimming lessons currently begin in Year 4.
🎵 Do Reception children have access to specialist teachers?
All of our teachers are trained to deliver high-quality teaching across the full primary curriculum, and we invest heavily in professional development to ensure every child benefits from excellent teaching. Children also enjoy:
🎶 Whole-school singing worship and choir activities led by our Music Lead
🎻 Specialist instrumental tuition, including guitar, drums, keyboard, violin and singing
⚽ Sports coaching and enrichment opportunities provided by external specialists
🎲 How much of the Reception day is play-based?
A great deal of learning in Reception happens through play.
Our Early Years curriculum carefully balances:
✨ Child-initiated play and exploration
✨ Adult-led teaching and learning
Children spend a significant part of each day learning through purposeful play, both indoors and outdoors. Alongside this, they take part in focused teaching sessions in phonics, reading, writing, maths and wider curriculum areas. This balance helps children become confident, independent learners while developing the essential skills they need for future success.
⏰ What wraparound care is available?
We know that flexible childcare is important for many families.
Breakfast Club ☀️ 7:40am to 8:40am
After School Club 🌟 Session 1: 3:30pm to 4:30pm 🌟 Session 2: 4:30pm to 5:30pm
Our clubs provide a safe, welcoming and enjoyable environment where children can relax, play and socialise with friends.
❤️ How do you help children settle into Reception?
We know that starting school is a huge milestone, both for children and for parents. Every child is different, and we pride ourselves on taking the time to get to know each child as an individual. We work closely with families to make the transition as smooth and positive as possible.
Our transition programme includes:
🧸 Teddy Bear Picnic events
🎈 Stay and Play sessions
🏫 Classroom visits
👩🏫 Opportunities to meet staff
🏡 Home visits where appropriate
👨👩👧 Individual meetings with families
🤝 Close liaison with nurseries and pre-schools
📅 A carefully phased start to school in September
By the time children begin school, many already feel familiar with their new environment and the trusted adults who will be caring for them.
🌟 What Makes St John's Meads Special?
We believe one of our greatest strengths is our ability to combine a small-school family feel with a wide range of opportunities and experiences.
Although we are located within a large town, many families tell us that St John's Meads feels like a village school. Children are known as individuals, relationships matter and there is a genuine sense of belonging.
Our Christian vision and values are at the heart of everything we do, creating a caring environment where children are encouraged to flourish academically, socially, emotionally and spiritually.
Above all, we want every child to feel known, valued and loved.
📚 How Do You Support Children Who Need Additional Challenge?
Children arrive at school with a wide range of strengths, interests and experiences, and we believe every child deserves to be challenged and inspired from their own starting point.
Our Reception team spends time carefully observing and getting to know each child, enabling us to identify children who are working beyond age-related expectations.
Challenge might include:
🌟 Higher-level questioning
🌟 Richer vocabulary development
🌟 More complex texts
🌟 Open-ended investigations
🌟 Opportunities to explain and justify thinking
🌟 Leadership opportunities within learning
Rather than rushing children through future curriculum content, we focus on developing deep understanding, curiosity and a genuine love of learning.
🤝 What Happens If My Child Needs Extra Support?
Children develop at different rates, and we understand that some may need additional support in certain areas.
Because assessment is ongoing in Reception, we are usually able to identify any concerns quickly. Staff work closely with families to discuss observations, adapt provision and agree next steps.
Support may include:
✅ Additional adult guidance
✅ Targeted small-group activities
✅ Adapted learning opportunities
✅ Close communication with parents
✅ Support from our SENDCo when appropriate
We place great importance on early identification and intervention, ensuring children receive support as soon as possible.
We are incredibly proud to have achieved the Inclusion Quality Mark (IQM), recognising our commitment to ensuring every child can thrive.
🔍 Questions About Ofsted & School Improvement
Why did the school previously receive a Requires Improvement judgement?
The areas identified for improvement can be found within the previous report. However, we would strongly encourage prospective families to read our most recent report once it is published, as it will reflect the significant progress and improvements made since then.
What improvements have been made?
Following the inspection, the school undertook an extensive improvement journey focused on:
✅ Strengthening curriculum leadership
✅ Enhancing staff training and professional development
✅ Improving assessment systems
✅ Refining teaching and learning approaches
✅ Further developing SEND provision
The school has also benefited from valuable support and challenge from DCAT and other educational partners.
How has reading and phonics improved?
Reading is a real strength of the school. We introduced a new systematic phonics programme and invested significantly in staff training to ensure consistency and quality.
As a result:
📖 100% of Year 1 pupils passed the Phonics Screening Check last year.
📖 97% of pupils achieved the expected standard in reading at Key Stage 2.
We are incredibly proud of these outcomes and, most importantly, of the children's enthusiasm for reading.
How has teaching improved?
We have established strong systems for coaching, training and professional development, ensuring teaching remains consistently effective across the school.
Staff work collaboratively, regularly review practice and use assessment effectively to identify misconceptions and support pupils' progress.
How has support for pupils with SEND improved?
Inclusion is at the heart of everything we do.
We work closely with families and external professionals to identify needs early and provide personalised support. Our SENDCo maintains strong communication with parents to ensure provision remains effective and responsive.
We were delighted to achieve the Inclusion Quality Mark, recognising our commitment to meeting the needs of all learners.
Have there been changes to leadership and governance?
Yes. The school has benefited from changes in leadership and governance, together with support from a highly experienced DCAT Transition Board, helping to provide strategic guidance throughout the school's improvement journey.
How do you know these changes are making a difference?
The clearest evidence is seen every day in our children. Visitors regularly comment on their:
😊 Happiness and confidence
🤝 Positive relationships
⭐ Excellent behaviour
📚 Enthusiasm for learning
Alongside this, we have seen strong improvements in outcomes, attendance, teaching quality and the breadth of experiences available to pupils.
Has the school recently been inspected?
Yes. While we are unable to discuss the outcome until the report has completed the publication process, we look forward to sharing it with families as soon as it becomes available. We will publish updates on our website and social media channels and ensure prospective families are informed promptly.
We are very proud of our school and would be delighted to answer any further questions you may have. Call the office to arrange your visit, or book in here: St John's Meads Open Events – Fill in form 💙🏫✨