Bedonwell Infant and Nursery School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 22 November 2023

This is a welcoming school where pupils learn and live by shared values, which include teamwork, manners and kindness. Pupils are happy in school. If anything is troubling them, they know they can speak to a trusted adult. Pupils are taught about positive relationships with others, with one pupil summing this up by explaining, 'I learned about being a good friend. That's sharing, being kind.' Pupils are generally quiet and orderly as they move around the school. On occasion, learning is briefly interrupted. This happens when pupils take a while to move from one activity to another, or when they have finished their work and are waiting for their next task. Adults quickly get everyone back on track. Pupils said that bullying is rare and is sorted out straight away if it happens. The school is partly successful in meeting its aim for all pupils to achieve highly. Children get off to a strong start with learning in early years. In Years 1 and 2, however, there are occasions when pupils are given work that is too difficult. For example, they are asked to write words which they have not yet learned to spell. Some pupils who are struggling to learn to read are not getting the help they need to catch up quickly.

What the school should improve

• In Years 1 and 2, some pupils are not keeping up with the pace of the school's phonics programme. They are not routinely receiving the teaching that they need to build their reading accuracy, or the time they need to learn and practise phonics. As a result, they are not catching up. The school should ensure that all staff have the expertise needed to address gaps in pupils' phonics quickly so that pupils can become fluent and confident readers who are prepared for the next stage of their education.
• Teaching does not routinely implement the intended curriculum securely, especially in Years 1 and 2. Sometimes, pupils are asked to do tasks before they have the knowledge and skills that they need. On these occasions, pupils do not experience success, and do not progress steadily through the school's curriculum. The school needs to ensure that all teachers give pupils the teaching and the time for practice that they need so that pupils master basic knowledge and skills.

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