Barnsbury Primary School and Nursery

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 16 November 2021

Pupils are happy at Barnsbury Primary School. They enjoy school and feel safe. Teachers expect pupils to work hard and behave well. Pupils live up to these high expectations. They behave exceptionally well. If bullying happens, staff deal with it promptly. Pupils are confident that any concerns they raise about bullying are taken seriously by staff. During social times, pupils play sensibly together in the different areas of the school playgrounds. They often sit in the outdoor library to read, or they play games with their friends. There are a range of opportunities for pupils to develop their resilience and confidence. Pupils are proud to join the school council, where they discuss and debate school issues. Older pupils can apply to become 'house captains' or 'sports captains' by writing an application letter to the headteacher and making a speech in front of other pupils. Pupils attend a variety of after-school groups, including gardening, design and cooking clubs. Pupils who have worries or are worried about a friend can write their concerns down and post them in the 'worry monster'. Teachers then speak to pupils about what is concerning them. Pupils visit the 'rainbow room' where they can talk to a specially trained member of staff if they need help or advice.

What the school should improve

• In some curriculum subjects, such as religious education and art, leaders have not yet planned and sequenced the knowledge that they intend pupils to learn well enough. This means that pupils do not build their knowledge as well as they could, over time. Leaders should ensure that the curriculum is carefully sequenced in all subjects. It is clear that leaders have taken some action to improve their planning in this area. For this reason, the transitional arrangements have been applied.

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