Bursted Wood Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school Since the school became an academy, pupils leaving Year 6 have achieved standards in reading, writing and mathematics which are above the national average.

Pupils are well prepared for secondary school. Most pupils make good progress in all year groups across the school because of the high quality of teaching they receive. The headteacher provides strong leadership.

She has an accurate view of the school's strengths and keeps a regular check on the quality of teaching. She has high expectations and an ambitious vision for the future of the school. These are shared by staff, leaders and governors.

Children in the early years make ...rapid progress from their high starting points. They thrive as a result of the rich learning environment and the excellent teaching they receive. Leadership of the early years is outstanding.

Pupils achieve standards which are well above the national average in the Year 1 phonics screening check. Behaviour is outstanding. Pupils are polite, friendly and welcoming.

They are confident, self–assured learners who feel safe and happy at school, and achieve very well. Pupils benefit from a broad and rich curriculum which is enhanced by a wide range of after-school clubs and school trips. Relationships between adults and pupils are positive.

Pupils are safe and well cared for. Records kept regarding safeguarding children are sometimes not easy to access. Attendance is improving and is in line with the national average.

Senior and middle leaders are able to identify key aspects of teaching and learning which need improvement, but they are not routinely involved in monitoring to secure these improvements. Governors are highly committed to the school. They have a good range of skills and expertise to bring to their roles as governors.

They are supportive of the work of the school, but do not consistently challenge leaders to improve the school further. They are not fully involved in setting priorities for improvement. Most parents have a positive view of the school.

Occasionally, tasks set for the most able pupils and for those who have special educational needs and/or disabilities, do not help them to make strong progress.

Information about this school

Bursted Wood is a larger-than-average sized primary school. The school became an academy in December 2013 and will become a three-form entry school in September 2017.

The proportion of disadvantaged pupils who are eligible for pupil premium funding is well below average. The majority of pupils come from a White British background. The proportion of pupils who have special educational needs and/or disabilities is above average.

Children in the early years are taught in three full-time Reception classes. The school meets requirements on the publication of specified information on its website. The school complies with Department for Education guidance on what academies should publish.

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