Barnes Farm Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 11 October 2022

There is always a friendly smile to be seen around this school. Pupils learn and play together. They say that everyone is welcome to join in the games at breaktime. They chatter excitedly about their learning. From the start to the end of the day, relationships are kind and caring. Adults get to know the pupils well. They quickly spot anyone who needs a helping hand. Pupils said an adult will always help them if they need it. Pupils feel safe and are safe here. The understand that bullying is wrong. It happens rarely and, when it does, pupils are confident that adults will stop it straight away. From the start of early years, children learn the school code of 'kind hands, kind words, kind feet'. They understand and respond well to the high standards of behaviour their teachers expect. In lessons, they learn to listen to their teachers. Pupils become resilient, successful learners. Everyone is proud to wear the 'capes of success' around school. These help pupils to understand values, such as teamwork and perseverance. Pupils can develop their talents in clubs such as football and gymnastics after school. They take part in sports events with other schools, such as 'teddylimpics'.

What the school should improve

• Leaders have recently strengthened further the teaching of phonics. However, not all teaching assistants have had the training they need. Leaders should ensure that teaching assistants receive training in the new phonics programmes, so that all pupils benefit from consistent phonics provision.
• In a few subjects, new vocabulary is not introduced clearly enough. As a result, pupils sometimes develop misconceptions and cannot apply the new words they learn across the curriculum. Leaders should ensure that systems are in place to ensure that new words are introduced clearly, so that pupils understand them and can use them.

Read the full Ofsted report (opens in a new tab)