Blackfell Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 3 February 2026

Pupils are warmly welcomed into Blackfell Primary School each morning by staff who care deeply for them as individuals. Staff model the newly reintroduced values of relationships, resilience, resourcefulness, risk-taking and reflection. Pupils who exemplify these are praised in the weekly celebration assembly. The culture of respect is embedded throughout the school. This is fully lived out by staff and pupils alike. For example, pupils hold doors open for visitors without prompting and with a smile on their face. Pupils learn the importance of tolerance and mutual respect. They have a clear understanding of why equality and the rule of law are important for life in modern Britain. Pupils generally achieve well by the end of key stage 2. Most pupils secure the knowledge that they need in phonics to equip them with the skills they need to read and write as they progress through school. Children in the early years usually build secure foundations in their learning and development. However, children in Reception do not have sufficient opportunities to apply what they have learned. The school is inclusive and pupils feel valued despite their different starting points, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities. Leaders know children well. They ensure barriers that pupils may have to learning are identified, and support is put into place to help them to progress. Typically, pupils behave well. They are confident that on the rare occasions there is bullying, staff deal with it quickly and it stops immediately. Most pupils attend school regularly. Pupils’ wellbeing is a priority for the school, for example pupils are taught how they can develop a healthy mind. Pupils relish the opportunities to visit places of interest around them and say this enhances their understanding of the curriculum.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should further develop the curriculum to ensure that it is specifically tailored to the changing context and needs of the pupils in school.
• Leaders should further strengthen the use of assessment effectively within lessons to identify misconceptions and gaps in pupils’ knowledge promptly so these can be addressed without delay.
• Leaders should ensure that the early years curriculum and teaching extend and embed children’s reading, writing and mathematical development.
• Leaders should further support staff to strengthen the quality of their interactions with children in the early years so that these consistently build on children’s knowledge and extend their vocabulary and learning.

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