Far Forest Lea Memorial CofE Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 20 May 2025

Pupils and their families express pride in being part of a caring and nurturing school community. Pupils enjoy attending this school. Pupils behave well and move around the school sensibly. They treat others with consideration when playing outside and are confident to speak to visitors. Pupils feel safe. They have warm and trusting relationships with staff. They know they can speak to a member of staff if they have any concerns. The school is highly ambitious for pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Pupils enjoy a rich and diverse curriculum where reading is given a high priority. The majority of pupils work hard and are happy to share work of which they are particularly proud. They enjoy their lessons and achieve well. Teaching pupils the skills they need to be successful in life is a priority for this school. Pupils enjoy the many opportunities they have to develop their interests or experience new activities in after-school clubs. They are proud to take on roles of leadership and responsibility. For example, older pupils with play leader responsibilities run engaging and exciting lunchtime activities for children in early years. Pupils understand that everyone should be treated equally and with respect, regardless of any differences.

What the school should improve

• As part of its work to ensure that pupils gain effective communication skills, the school has not paid sufficient attention to their ability to discuss and debate subjects. Sometimes, pupils call out in class or 'talk over' others in their enthusiasm to have their point of view heard. The trust should ensure that the personal development programme teaches pupils how to discuss and debate issues and ideas in a considered way so that everyone has an equal opportunity to speak and be heard.
• At times, the behaviour management strategies that staff use in lessons does not ensure that pupils engage effectively in their learning. As a result, some pupils do not engage fully or learn as much as they could. The trust should ensure that the approaches used to address lower engagement are effective so that pupils are able to learn to the best of their abilities.

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