Bushmead Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school Leaders and governors have clear aspirations for the school and for the development of a caring and nurturing environment. The curriculum allows pupils to develop their reading, writing and mathematics effectively through a range of subjects. The overall quality of teaching and learning is good.

Leaders have a clear understanding of the areas of strengths and weaknesses. They provide suitable training which supports teachers to review and refine their approaches. Pupils who have special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and those that are disadvantaged make good progress.

Staff provide a wide range of support for pupils' learni...ng and well-being. Children in the early years access a vibrant and encouraging learning environment which helps them to make good progress. Attainment at key stage 1 is above the national average in writing and mathematics but only average in reading.

At key stage 2, it is below the national average in reading. Staff, parents and carers, and pupils are overwhelmingly positive about the school. Parents state that their children are well looked after and cared for.

Pupils enjoy a rich and varied curriculum, enhanced by a wide range of extra-curricular activities. The broad curriculum and the many opportunities it offers contribute to pupils' personal development. Pupils enjoy the school and attendance is now broadly in line with the national average.

Leaders have worked tirelessly to reduce pupils' absence. Pupils' behaviour is good. They are polite and welcoming.

At times, teaching does not challenge all pupils. When this happens, pupils can lose focus and they do not work to the best of their ability. Leaders have a strong focus on developing reading skills, but it is too soon to judge the impact of their actions on pupils' progress.

While leaders and governors are committed to the school, they do not all have a consistent overview of how well it is doing.

Information about this school

The school is a larger-than-average-sized primary school. The proportion of disadvantaged pupils is in line with the national average.

Pupils who attend the school are from a wide range of ethnic backgrounds, but most are from White British heritage. The proportion of pupils with SEND support and those with an education, health and care plan is in the top 20% of schools nationally. The school runs a breakfast and after-school club.