Buntingsdale Primary School and Nursery

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 5 November 2024

Pupils enjoy being part of this warm and welcoming school. They readily welcome new arrivals to the school. Pupils celebrate differences between themselves and others. They are encouraged to become considerate and tolerant young people. Pupils live out the school's values of friendship, respect and responsibility. However, sometimes, they do not focus fully on their learning in lessons and, at times, become distracted. Staff have high expectations, and pupils follow an ambitious curriculum that is well organised for mixed-age classes. Most pupils achieve well. However, some pupils who fall behind with their learning do not always get the right support to help them to keep up with their peers. Pupils form strong, trusting relationships with one another and staff. They value the nurturing support they receive when they need it. Pupils are happy and safe here. A rich range of wider opportunities enhance and support the curriculum. A range of clubs and educational visits broaden pupils' experiences and develop their talents and interests. Pupils are proud of their leadership responsibilities. These include being members of the 'sports crew' who help to organise games and equipment or the eco-warriors who help to plant flowers and encourage more wildlife. This helps pupils to develop into responsible and active citizens.

What the school should improve

• There is variability in the teaching of early reading. This slows some pupils' progress through the curriculum, particularly those who are at the earliest stages of learning to read and pupils with SEND. The school should ensure that staff receive the training and support they need so pupils get the necessary help to become confident, fluent readers.
• Sometimes, the school's expectations for pupils' learning behaviours are not high enough. Some pupils lose focus and find it difficult to concentrate. The school should ensure that all staff use appropriate strategies to develop appropriate learning behaviours.
• In a small number of foundation subjects, assessment systems to check what pupils know and remember over time are not well embedded. This means that in some subjects, staff do not check if pupils have any gaps in their learning. The school should ensure that effective systems are established for checking pupils' knowledge and understanding over time so any gaps in knowledge can be addressed.

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