Beanfield Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 11 October 2022

Beanfield Primary School is a vibrant school. Pupils are happy and enjoy their learning. They talk with enthusiasm about school life. One pupil told inspectors, 'I love learning, chatting to friends and getting ready for the future.' Pupils are proud of their school. They say that they feel safe. Pupils are a credit to the school. Leaders set high standards for pupils to live up to. They expect pupils to work hard. Pupils like the rewards they earn for doing their best. Pupils enjoy making a positive contribution to the life of the school. They like being prefects, class ambassadors and sports leaders. Older pupils are excellent role models for younger pupils. Relationships between pupils and adults are very positive. Pupils are polite and respectful. They behave very well. Pupils really care for each other. Pupils know that staff quickly sort out any problems and that bullying is not tolerated. Pupils know that staff are always available to talk. Leaders have created a caring, aspirational ethos at Beanfield. The vast majority of parents and carers are positive about the school. One parent told inspectors, 'The school has a fantastic team of teachers and well-being staff who go over and above to help the children.'

What the school should improve

• Leaders have developed a coherently planned and well-sequenced curriculum. On occasions, there are inconsistencies in what pupils can recall about their learning in some subjects. Pupils do not reliably remember what they have been taught in all subjects. Leaders should ensure that all pupils, including those with SEND, know more and remember more of the school's curriculum, including the curriculum for pupils' personal development.
• Leaders have not yet established consistent systems to identify gaps in pupils' learning in some subjects. Teachers do not check consistently how successfully pupils acquire knowledge and use it fluently. Leaders should ensure that checks between early years through to the end of key stage 2, in all areas, consistently assist teachers in determining clear next steps for pupils, without causing unnecessary burdens for staff and pupils.
• A small number of pupils do not currently read from books that match their phonics knowledge well enough. They do not develop as fluent, confident readers as quickly as they could. Leaders should ensure that the approach to the teaching of phonics enables all pupils to apply their knowledge accurately when reading unfamiliar words.

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