Bethany School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 10 March 2026

Pupils love coming to this welcoming and nurturing school. They attend well because they enjoy learning. Pupils want to rise to the challenge of attending school 100% of the time. Pupils appreciate that their families are actively involved in the life of the school. All see the school as a place of comfort and safety, underpinned by knowing everyone well and understanding what is expected of them. As one pupil commented, 'I feel really happy when I walk through the school gate.' Pupils trust staff to keep them safe and help them with any worries they may have. They consider their teachers to be kind and caring. Staff establish highly positive relationships with pupils. They deal with the rare incidents of poor behaviour effectively. Bullying or discrimination are not tolerated. Pupils understand the rules and routines and most follow them consistently. They typically behave sensibly in class and around school and demonstrate positive attitudes to learning. Those with special educational needs and/or disabilities and those with specific vulnerabilities get the help they need. Pupils show enthusiasm in their lessons, and they are confident to suggest ideas and achieve well. However, provision for children in the early years does not support their learning as well as it should. The teaching of early writing for these children lacks the necessary precision. The school's inclusive culture and ethos shines through its positive relationships with families. The weekly 'family afternoon' sessions provide rich opportunities for parents and carers and their children to learn together. From the early years, pupils relish their trips to different places of worship, museums, art galleries and theatres. Pupils are proud to organise fundraising for charities and represent the school in sporting competitions, choir performances and events with other schools. They are well prepared for their next stage of education, employment or training and for life beyond school.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should ensure that recent work to improve the teaching of writing in the early years is fully embedded and that all adults know how to support the development of children's early writing skills effectively.
• Leaders should ensure the early years curriculum is fully supported by purposeful provision activities and that all adults have high-quality conversational interactions with children.

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