Fairstead Community Primary and Nursery School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 11 February 2025

This is a warm, nurturing and friendly school. Pupils feel safe because they know that staff will take good care of them. They know the importance of the school values and use them to guide their actions and attitudes. Pupils are extremely respectful. They celebrate each other's differences and fulfil the staff's high expectations of them. Most pupils behave well. Pupils have adults they trust in school. They know that staff will sort out any problems that they might have quickly. Pupils enjoy their learning, and where something has really caught their interest they excitedly tell you about it. Staff are ambitious for pupils to do their best and achieve well. Pupils learn about the world around them. They develop their knowledge of local, national and world news, which supports their understanding of diversity. Pupils develop their confidence and self-esteem through a wide array of opportunities. Leadership roles, including well-being ambassadors, mini medics and young librarians, appeal to pupils' differing interests. Pupils can develop their talents through a range of music lessons and clubs. The number of sports teams has grown over recent years, with more pupils taking part and having a go.

What the school should improve

• In a few subjects, the school has not identified the key knowledge and vocabulary that pupils should learn. As a result, staff do not emphasise or revisit this key knowledge enough in order for pupils to remember it easily. Therefore, some pupils develop gaps in what they know and remember. The school should ensure that the most important knowledge is identified clearly in all subjects so that teachers ensure that pupils can build their knowledge, use subject-specific vocabulary and develop more complex ideas across the full range of subjects taught.

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