Bellfield Primary School (NC)

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 22 October 2024

There is a warm welcome at this nurturing school. Staff are vigilant and notice if pupils need a helping hand or a kind word to make them feel secure and ready to learn. Smiles are everywhere because pupils feel safe and happy and want to do their best. Pupils' behaviour is very positive, including in the early years Lessons are calm and there is rarely disruption or pupils off task. There are high expectations of behaviour and positive relationships throughout the school. Playtimes are active, busy and full of fun because pupils get along. They know that any problems will be addressed quickly by adults. The school has ambition for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Those with SEND are carefully supported to access and succeed in the curriculum. Work in books illustrates the care pupils take and that the quality of their work matches their positive attitudes. Parents and carers appreciate the work of the school. They are well informed and have regular opportunities to speak with teachers, leaders and pastoral staff. The school has worked hard with parents to reduce pupil absence, but some pupils are still missing too much school.

What the school should improve

• Some pupils miss too much school and therefore miss out on learning. The school should explore further ways to engage with parents to reduce absence and persistent absence, so that pupils take advantage of the exciting learning opportunities on offer.
• In some subjects, the school's checks on the impact of the curriculum and what pupils remember are at an early stage. This means there is not a secure understanding of how effectively the curriculum is impacting on pupils' learning. The school should continue to implement and refine its approach to identifying where the curriculum is successful and where it could be improved so that pupils' learning is maximised.

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