Bottisham Community Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 29 June 2022

Pupils enjoy coming to this school and feel safe. Pupils and families know that staff have high expectations for behaviour. Bullying rarely happens. Pupils know that they can speak to adults or use their 'worry boxes' if they do ever experience issues. Adults resolve these rare issues quickly and effectively. Pupils are proud of their school. They enjoy talking about the learning they do in class and about their school motto, 'better learning for better living'. Older pupils take on a range of responsibilities. For instance, some volunteer as school librarians, helping to keep the library organised and reading to younger pupils. Other pupils play an active role in the school council or the eco council. They like being able to organise events, such as the recent book sale to raise money for charity. Children in Reception and Nursery classes learn in spaces designed to develop their independence. Adults are skilled in promoting children's language development. They provide rich opportunities for children to explore the world around them, from learning in the woodland area to hatching butterflies. Children are busy, concentrate hard and get on well together. Pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), benefit from an ambitious curriculum and typically achieve well, as high expectations are realised. Year 6 pupils are well prepared for secondary school.

What the school should improve

• Teachers do not routinely plan opportunities for pupils to practise and deepen their use of key vocabulary across all subjects. As a result, some pupils are not able to remember how to use key words in their correct context or apply them well. Leaders should ensure that teachers enable pupils to secure key vocabulary, so they can apply their knowledge, in the correct context, across the full curriculum.

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