Bluebell Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school Leaders, managers and governors have been successful in improving the school to good since its previous inspection.

The quality of teaching has improved significantly as a result of rigorous checks by leaders at all levels. Teachers have benefited from high-quality training and coaching. Standards are rising.

The school was among the 25% most successful in the country in 2015 to add value to its pupils' achievement from their different starting points. Pupils in the specialist resource base for those on the autistic spectrum make good progress because the experienced staff tailor work to meet their needs well. The personal development and... welfare of pupils are outstanding because all staff promote their well-being and help them to make the most of their schooling.

Parents and carers agree that their children are extremely safe at school. Pupils' behaviour is good. They show respect to one another and to adults.

They enjoy learning and take a pride in their work. Children get off to a good start in the early years because staff establish routines quickly and create a stimulating place where children can play and learn together safely and with enjoyment. The governing body's effectiveness has increased since the previous inspection.

Governors hold school leaders to account well. It is not yet an outstanding school because : At times, the most-able pupils have work that is too easy for them, especially in subjects other than English and mathematics. There are variations in the extent to which teachers apply the school's marking and feedback policy, especially in setting pupils next steps for learning.

On some occasions, children in the early years do not have sufficient opportunities to practise their emerging writing skills. This is because there are not enough interesting activities based around writing for children to choose for themselves.

Information about this school

The school is similar in size to most primary schools.

Pupils are taught in single-age classes, apart from in Years 5 and 6, where pupils are taught together in three classes in the mornings. While most pupils are from White British backgrounds, an increasing number of pupils are joining the school outside normal times, speaking little or no English and with limited experience of schooling. The proportion of pupils supported by the pupil premium (additional funding for pupils known to be eligible for free school meals or looked after by the local authority) is high.

The proportion of pupils who have special educational needs or disability is average, but more have statements of special educational needs or education, health and care plans. The school has provision for pupils with special educational needs or disability in the form of a specialist resource base for up to 10 pupils from key stage 2 who are on the autistic spectrum. Pupils come from across the county to attend.

In 2015, the school met the government's current floor standards, which set the minimum expectations for pupils' attainment and progress in reading, writing and mathematics by the end of Year 6. The school runs a breakfast club. The school meets requirements on the publication of specified information on its website.