Berrycoombe School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 27 September 2022

Berrycoombe is a school where everyone is included. Leaders make sure that everyone feels valued and cared for. They are passionate about helping pupils to become well-rounded, empathetic citizens. Staff focus on knowing and supporting pupils and families. As a result, there are warm and open relationships. Pupils enjoy coming to school. They value the interesting curriculum and events, such as theme weeks. Staff offer a variety of clubs to develop pupils' interests and talents, including forest school, hockey and basketball. They appreciate the opportunities to go on residential trips. Pupils' behaviour is calm in classrooms and at social times. Pupils have positive attitudes to learning. Leaders promote values such as kindness through assemblies and displays. On the occasions when pupils find it difficult to manage their behaviour, staff respond well. Leaders work carefully and sensitively to reintegrate pupils quickly. Pupils say that bullying is rare, but they trust any member of staff to sort it out if it does happen. Parents speak highly of the school. One said, 'My children have come on leaps and bounds since being at the school. Nothing is ever too much trouble.'

What the school should improve

• A minority of older pupils have gaps in their phonics knowledge. As a result, these pupils are not confident and fluent readers. Leaders need to ensure that these pupils catch up rapidly.
• In some foundation subjects, leaders have not yet fully established systems for assessment. This means teachers are not always sure of what pupils know and the gaps in knowledge they may have. Leaders need to ensure that assessment is used effectively to help pupils to know and remember more of the curriculum.

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