Elms Farm Community Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 13 January 2026

Pupils are happy and safe in this welcoming and inclusive school. They understand the school values of ambition, community, equality, aiming high, fairness and helping others. High expectations of pupils are evident. Most pupils achieve well and are well prepared for the next stage in their education. However, for some pupils, gaps in their knowledge are not consistently addressed effectively. Children in the early years are happy and well cared for. They engage in purposeful learning from the start of each day. Children are encouraged to use new vocabulary most of the time. Some children join the school part way through a year or key stage. They are welcomed and quickly made to feel part of school life. Any challenges or barriers that pupils face are identified swiftly. Pupils receive high-quality personalised pastoral support. This is highly effective and supports pupils’ wellbeing successfully. Pupils are taught to cooperate with their peers and show an acceptance of others. They work hard and enjoy learning. Pupils experience a calm environment throughout each day. They are highly valued by staff. Pupils experience a broad curriculum that is tailored to individual needs. Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) develop a deep sense of belonging. Staff are expert at supporting pupils with SEND effectively. Pupils trust that staff will help to keep them safe. They are taught strategies to keep themselves safe in the local community. Bullying is rare and dealt with quickly when it happens. Most pupils attend school regularly. Pupils visit different places of worship and are respectful of others' beliefs and opinions. They are well prepared for life in modern Britain. Pupils take part in a range of enrichment and extra-curricular activities that develop their talents and interests, raise aspirations and provide opportunities to learn through sports, music and visits that extend the curriculum.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should ensure that staff consistently identify and address gaps in pupils’ knowledge across the curriculum. • Leaders should make sure that pupils consistently develop a wide range of ambitious vocabulary and use this effectively in their writing. • Leaders should ensure that staff consistently maximise high-quality interactions in the early years. • Leaders should maximise every opportunity to rapidly improve the attendance of pupils who do not attend often enough.

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