Barnes Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils get off to an excellent start to their education at this school. They are happy and kept safe.

Pupils said that this is because there are always adults there to help them. Pupils appreciate the worry box and dedicated email they can use to report any concerns they may have.

Behaviour is exemplary.

Pupils are polite and helpful. They are keen and willing to go the extra mile for others. Bullying is rare.

If it does occur, it is dealt with swiftly by adults.

Pupils are hardworking and produce work of high quality in different subjects. The broad and ambitious curriculum prepares pupils exceptionally well for the next stage of their educ...ation.

Pupils across the school have access to a wide offer of enrichment opportunities. The curriculum in all subjects is enhanced by a programme of educational visits or workshops. For example, pupils have visited London Zoo and Richmond Park to support their learning in science.

Pupils are rightly proud of their school and are keen to take on the wealth of responsibilities offered. For example, they can become members of the eco-council, school council or playground monitors. They take these responsibilities seriously because they know that their ideas are listened to.

This helps them to understand the importance of democracy.

What does the school do well and what does it need to do better?

Leaders have designed an ambitious curriculum that sets out the knowledge, skills and vocabulary that pupils need to know in every subject. Careful thought has been given to how the curriculum is sequenced to help pupils know and remember more over time.

Teachers regularly check pupils' understanding of previous learning. They address any errors and misconceptions before moving on to more complex learning. For example, in physical education, pupils talk with confidence about the concept of core strength.

They explained how this, and the importance of regular practice, helps them to learn and improve in dance and yoga.

Similarly, in mathematics, careful thought has been given to the small steps needed to deepen pupils' understanding of number. In the early years, for example, children practise counting fruit and cups during snack time, further developing their mathematical language.

This prepares them well for more complex addition and subtraction in Year 1.

In the early years, staff accurately identify children's learning needs. This information is shared so that all adults understand how they can best support children's learning and development.

The curriculum is well designed so that meaningful learning opportunities are provided to support children to learn and remember more.A strong reading culture is evident across the school. Both storytelling and the careful choice of all reading materials encourage pupils' love of reading.

This is because leaders prioritise this area as soon as children begin school. Teachers are well trained and deliver the phonics programme consistently and with precision. Regular checks are made to ensure that pupils are keeping up.

Those at risk of falling behind are given high-quality support to address the gaps in their knowledge. As a result, they catch up quickly. Pupils are given ample opportunity to practise reading using books that are closely matched to the sounds that they have learned.

This means that pupils learn to read with accuracy, fluency and confidence.

Teachers are skilled at ensuring that pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities receive high-quality support. For example, effective extra help ensures that any gaps in pupils' knowledge are addressed swiftly.

As a result, these pupils experience the same ambitious and carefully designed curriculum as their peers.

Behaviour in lessons and around the school is excellent. Low-level disruption is very rare, and this means that lessons are focused solely on learning.

Most pupils have excellent attendance and punctuality. Effective support is put in place for those whose attendance needs to improve.

Provision for pupils' personal development is exceptional.

A wide variety of enrichment activities are available. These are popular and appreciated by pupils. Examples include 'Barnes voices', tennis, craft, chess, rugby, yoga and mindfulness.

The curriculum has been designed to help pupils learn about important topics to prepare them for life in modern Britain. Pupils are taught about issues such as equality and diversity and have the opportunity to discuss and debate complex ethical issues.

Leaders, including those responsible for governance, have created an ambitious culture that puts pupils' learning at the centre of everything they do.

Leaders at all levels share a real commitment to ongoing school improvement. They have a detailed and accurate understanding of the school's strengths and the areas they want to improve even further.

Staff, including those at the start of their careers, are highly positive about the school.

They are proud to work here and appreciate the opportunities that they have to develop professionally. Staff reported that leaders have made well-being a high priority.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

Leaders ensure safeguarding is a high focus and central to the school's culture and ethos. The curriculum has been designed to help pupils know how to stay safe. For example, pupils can explain the risks associated with smoking, including e-cigarettes.

Staff and governors know their responsibilities because they have been well trained. Robust procedures are in place to ensure that any concerns are quickly identified.Leaders seek appropriate support from a range of agencies so that pupils and their families receive the support that they need.

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