Bunbury Aldersey CofE Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils are happy and proud to be members of this school. They are allowed to excel in their talents and interests. Pupils thoroughly enjoy the opportunities available to be creative, play sport and learn instruments.

Staff have high expectations of all pupils regardless of their background.

Pupils thoroughly enjoy participating in school life and feel that their voice is valued. The school council, the ethos committee and the safety officers are proud of the work they do to support the school community.

Bullying is not tolerated in this school. Staff take immediate action if pupils have any worries. Pupils feel safe and well cared for.

Pupils behave ...extremely well. The school is a harmonious community. Children in the early years feel safe and work together happily.

They are kind to one another and take turns. Pupils across the school show respect and tolerance for each other. Teachers make lessons fun and engaging.

Pupils are excited to learn and want to do well

Pupils' achievements are celebrated on Fridays and 'Are you smarter than' events. Parents and carers are very positive about the school. A typical comment from a parent was, 'I couldn't recommend this school highly enough.'



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

Leaders have designed a well-thought-out curriculum from early years to Year 6 which meets the needs and interests of pupils. Children in early years achieve highly and are prepared well for Year 1. Teachers help pupils to gain a deep understanding of topics by making links between different subjects.

This helps them to develop a range of skills and knowledge as they move through the school. For example, in Year 4, pupils learn about ancient Rome in history, while studying a poem about Romulus and Remus, the founders of Rome, in English. Pupils achieve well in a range of subjects.

Reading is promoted well throughout the school. Teachers are skilled at teaching phonics. The vast majority of pupils reach the expected standard in the national phonics screening check by the end of Year 1.

Teachers help pupils who fall behind to catch up and become confident readers. Pupils love reading. Children in early years relish story time.

Pupils talk about the books that they have read with enthusiasm and make full use of the reading shed in the playground. The books in the school represent the diverse society in which we live. Some teachers require further support to teach reading comprehension skills effectively.

The consistent approach to develop pupils' writing skills is strong and effective. Children in the Reception Year learn good pencil grip and form letters early. Older pupils edit their work meticulously and write at length.

Pupils in Year 2 showed confidence in writing their biographies, for example, because the planning and discussion stage of their learning was so effective.Pupils also achieve well in mathematics. Teachers are confident and skilful in teaching mathematics at all key stages.

Pupils become fluent in their number skills because they practise arithmetic frequently. The history curriculum is well planned and the aims are demanding. However, leaders know that they need to continue to provide training for teachers to strengthen their knowledge of history.

Art is a strength of the school. Pupils enjoy the subject and achieve highly. The artist in residence helped Year 6 pupils produce skilful and exquisite paintings of Bunbury Church on canvass.

Pupils demonstrated high levels of concentration and were able to build on their previous knowledge well.

Teachers and teaching assistants provide effective support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). This is helping the pupils to learn more and remember more.

Leaders support pupils' personal development exceptionally well. There is a wide range of activities after school. The personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) curriculum is well thought out.

Pupils develop sound and caring attitudes towards each other and the world in which they live. Pupils learn about faiths and cultures other than their own. They know about eating healthily and being active.

For example, in the Reception class, children learn about hygiene when making a fruit salad. All pupils have many opportunities to play sport and be competitive. Pupils show excellent behaviour and attitudes to learning in lessons and around the school.

Leaders, including governors of the trust, are true to their values. The aims and ethos inform all that happens in this school. The faculty teams across the trust provide valuable training and development opportunities for staff.

The school is a happy place to work and learn.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

Leaders are highly skilled and knowledgeable about safeguarding matters.

Staff receive regular training and updates on safeguarding procedures. They know every pupil and provide the necessary care and support for them and their families. The support for vulnerable pupils is strong.

Parents and staff agree that the school is a safe place.

Pupils are supported well to maintain their mental health. The PSHE programme help pupils to manage risk and keep themselves safe, for example when they are online.

What does the school need to do to improve?

Leaders have devised a coherent curriculum in most subjects. Teachers have received training to support their subject knowledge and subject pedagogy expertise. However, teachers in some subjects, such as history and reading comprehension, require further training to ensure that they can implement a strong and effective curriculum.