Colmers Farm Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 14 June 2023

There is a strong sense of community at Colmers Farm Primary. Pupils receive a warm and friendly welcome each day from a staff team that know them well. Routines such as these help pupils settle into their school day. Pupils are respectful and welcoming to visitors. Leaders have high expectations for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Pupils follow a broad curriculum and enjoy their lessons and time in school. They receive the support that they need to access all the school has to offer. Pupils understand the school's rules of 'ready, respectful and safe'. They link these to what they learn and how they are expected to behave in lessons and with their friends. Pupils understand what bullying is. If bullying happens, staff deal with incidents quickly. The caring relationships between staff and pupils help pupils to feel safe. They trust staff to look after them. All staff are determined to provide the very best for all pupils. They promote and celebrate diversity and make sure pupils feel valued. Pupils play a full part in school life. They can become head pupils or join the school council. Pupils speak with enthusiasm about these responsibilities.

What the school should improve

• At times, some pupils find it difficult to meet leaders' high expectations of behaviour, especially during unstructured times. Leaders should continue to work alongside staff and pupils to embed a consistent culture of high expectations, including during social times and on the playground.
• In the early years, leaders have not explicitly identified the specific knowledge and vocabulary that they want all children to know and understand. This means that some children do not learn as well as they might. Leaders should identify the most important knowledge and vocabulary that they want children to learn. They should do this so that all children get the best possible start.
• Support for early handwriting is not as effective as it could be. Staff do not consistently address misconceptions or mistakes in writing. This means that some pupils do not form their letters correctly and do not establish the most effective writing habits. Leaders should ensure that staff teach pupils to develop correct letter formation and effective writing habits.

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