Town Field Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

The school values, 'Town Field 10', set the tone for pupils. It is promoted throughout school and understood by all.

Pupils are proud of their school. Leaders have created a caring and nurturing place where pupils feel happy and safe. Relationships between adults and pupils are warm and supportive.

This makes it easy for pupils to share any worries they may have. Pupils and parents speak fondly of the teachers. One parent commented, 'The staff know my children well and I feel they are well nurtured.

It is a happy school; my children feel safe and confident.' This is typical of the views of many parents at school.

Leaders have high expectations of pup...ils' behaviour.

Pupils respect this. Most of the time they conduct themselves well both in and out of the classroom. Pupils say that sometimes other pupils disrupt their learning.

Adults deal with this immediately so that it does not prevent learning from taking place. Pupils state that bullying is very occasional. When this happens, they are confident that it will be dealt with by staff.

Leaders have created a learning environment where pupils are encouraged to work hard and to try new things. This means that pupils build resilience for tackling new learning. Pupils and parents value this.

Pupils are supportive of each other. They are eager to share their learning and help each other in class.

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

Town Field offers a broad, rich curriculum and a wide range of after-school activities.

Clubs such as tag rugby, basketball and dance help pupils stay fit and active. Pupils particularly enjoy and do well in physical education (PE) lessons.

Teachers prioritise reading.

From the Reception to Year 6, pupils are introduced to high quality books. Pupils clearly value the moments they are given to share a story. During these sessions, texts engage and capture pupils' imagination.

Pupils are eager to volunteer their opinions. Leaders have introduced a new phonics programme to help pupils develop their reading. A small number of pupils find it difficult to read fluently.

This is because they do not regularly practise the sounds they are learning enough. As a result, some pupils lack confidence with their reading.

The curriculum in early years is carefully thought through and sequenced.

Staff use a book to introduce the curriculum. Through this, children make links between subjects. Rhymes and songs are frequently used to help children remember knowledge more quickly, for example learning number facts to 10.

This is particularly effective for children who have English as an additional language and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). As a result of this, children are confident and articulate in talking about their learning.

The curriculum in mathematics and history is well organised.

Quizzes and flashback activities are used to help pupils secure important information. In some subjects such as art, leaders have not planned the important knowledge and vocabulary they want pupils to know, use and remember over time. Consequently, pupils are not always able to retain and apply what they should know in their learning.

In addition, in a few subjects, teachers do not check what pupils know and do not know effectively to identify any gaps in pupils' knowledge.

Most pupils with SEND are provided with the appropriate level of work. This is because staff know their pupils well and identify their needs accurately.

For pupils with very complex needs, there is an over-reliance on adult support. This sometimes limits pupils' confidence and ability to work independently.

Leaders have improved pupils' personal development over the last few years.

The school's diverse make-up has helped pupils understand and appreciate others from different cultures and backgrounds. Pupils understand the rule of law. They know their voice is valued and have opportunities to debate during lessons.

Parents are very complimentary about their school. They are particularly appreciative of the support staff gave them during the COVID-19 pandemic. One parent stated that, 'school maintained a high level of support for parents and children even during lockdown.'



Leaders, including governors, have strived to create a harmonious working culture. Staff say leaders are thoughtful of the demands of work on their well-being. They work in teams to share the workload.

As a result, staff have built positive relationships whereby they are able to lean on each other if ever they experience any difficulties.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

Leaders and governors make keeping pupils safe the highest priority.

They have provided all staff with appropriate training. Staff are vigilant. They record and report any concerns immediately.

Leaders have built positive working partnerships with an extensive range of external services. This supports leaders in involving the right people and getting the right outcome for pupils in a timely manner.Pupils trust the adults in school.

They are comfortable sharing their worries. This is because of the kindness and affection staff show them. They trust that if they have a problem, adults will listen, support and help.

What does the school need to do to improve?

(Information for the school and appropriate authority)

• Some subjects do not include all the vital knowledge that pupils need to know. This means that pupils cannot acquire and apply the necessary subject-specific knowledge they need. Leaders need to review the curriculum to ensure that the right content is included in all subjects.

• In some subjects, the use of assessment is not used well enough to identify what pupils know and do not know. As a result of this, teachers are unclear what parts of the curriculum need to be delivered next. Leaders need to fine-tune the school's assessment approaches so it is effective in enabling all pupils to reach their full potential.