The Bishop William Ward Church of England Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils at Bishop William Ward are proud to be part of their school community. They are members of a 'family' where everyone looks after each other. Pupils are confident and happy.

Parents and carers are positive about the level of care and support their children receive.

Pupils benefit from a curriculum that is ambitious and well designed. The curriculum builds pupils' skills progressively.

Pupils are guided to success through well-structured learning activities. They take pride in their work and enjoy sharing their learning across a range of subjects.

The school motto 'Happy, Respectful, Lifelong Learners' permeates through the school.

Pupi...ls learn about the school's values as soon as they start school. These values encourage pupils to be individuals and to take pride in their learning. Strong relationships between staff, pupils and parents support pupils to behave well in lessons and around the school.

A culture of respect, inclusion and high expectations ensures that pupils are valued.

Pupils have a range of opportunities to develop their confidence and resilience. They attend clubs and take on leadership roles, such as school councillor.

Pupils are given the opportunity to represent the school at some of the many events across the year.

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

The school has ensured that an ambitious curriculum is in place for all pupils. Children in the Reception Year access appropriate learning activities that skilfully ready them for Year 1.

Teachers work together to consider carefully how pupils learn the curriculum. In some subjects, the school has not fully identified the important knowledge it wants pupils to know and by when. Consequently, pupils have gaps in their knowledge and so they are less prepared for future learning.

Teachers use questioning effectively to check how well pupils are learning. They give pupils clear feedback and address any misconceptions promptly. This is particularly strong in mathematics where pupils practise and consolidate their understanding and then apply it in problem-solving activities accurately.

From the time children start school, they begin to build a love of reading. The school has a consistent approach to teaching phonics. Skilled staff deliver the phonics scheme effectively and with confidence.

They quickly identify any pupils who may be at risk of falling behind their peers and ensure that they are given support to catch up. This helps pupils to become confident and fluent readers. Pupils talk fondly about the books that they have read and their favourite authors.

The school supports pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) to access learning effectively. For example, pupils are given visual prompts in mathematics to support their conceptual understanding. The school has effective systems in place to identify and support pupils with SEND.

As a result, pupils with SEND are progressing well across the curriculum from their various starting points.

Pupils behave well in and around the school. Bullying is rare.

The school's work to deal with any behaviour incidents that occur are effective. Pupils show positive attitudes to their learning. In lessons, pupils are focused and engaged, demonstrating their eagerness to do well.

The school has clear routines for pupils to follow that help them to be successful. These start in the Reception Year where children know to wash their hands and to sit down together during snack time.

The school has a comprehensive programme for personal development.

This enables pupils to learn how to keep themselves safe, including when online. Pupils learn about healthy relationships in an age-appropriate way and to recognise what these looks like. They appreciate the range of ways the school supports their mental health.

Pupils learn about fundamental British values. For example, they know about democracy and can talk about the recent school elections. Pupils are provided with numerous opportunities to celebrate their talents and interests.

They speak positively about the many clubs on offer. There are opportunities for pupils to take a variety of leadership roles. School councillors and prefects enjoy helping the school to be a better place.

These roles help to improve pupils' self-esteem.

The school has robust systems in place to improve pupils' attendance. These strategies are making a difference.

Where pupils' attendance remains a concern, the school works with families to offer them the help they need effectively.

Governors have a thorough understanding of their roles and responsibilities. They recognise the many strengths of the school but continue to strive for further improvement.

Staff are proud to work at the school. They value the consideration leaders give to their workload and well-being.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

What does the school need to do to improve?

(Information for the school and appropriate authority)

• In some subjects, other than English and mathematics, the school has not identified the important knowledge pupils need to know and by when. As a result, in these subjects, pupils are not progressing as well as they could. The school must ensure that the precise knowledge is identified and sequenced across all subjects so that pupils are prepared well for their future learning.

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