John Scurr Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 13 March 2023

Leaders are ambitious for pupils and their future career possibilities. They guide pupils to be respectful, resilient, resourceful, reflective and ready to learn. Pupils demonstrated these values in the way that they behaved, and the pride with which they spoke about their school. Leaders have established a positive place for learning here. Teachers embed strong routines that pupils know well and follow. This ensures that no learning time is wasted and supports teachers to deliver an ambitious and well-designed school curriculum. Pupils are polite and considerate. They are safe here. They can speak to a trusted adult if they wish to. Leaders and teachers address and resolve any incidences of behaviour that do not meet their high standards. Leaders arrange a wide variety of outings and extra-curricular activities for pupils, both inside and outside of the school. For example, staff have created a forest school and edible garden where pupils are taught to grow and harvest herbs and vegetables. Some pupils play competitive chess. Leaders organise a variety of clubs to develop pupils' interests and which change each term. All pupils are taught to debate sensitive and important issues. Some pupils represent the school in local and national debating competitions. Many pupils run a mile each day between classes to support their fitness, physical and mental health.

What the school should improve

• Leaders have not made sure that children learn key knowledge across all learning areas in the early years as clearly as in other phases. This means that children do not systematically build the knowledge and skills that they need in all learning areas in preparation for key stage 1. Leaders should follow through with their plans to ensure that children learn all necessary knowledge and skills required throughout the early years.

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