Maidensbridge Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 28 September 2022

This is a calm, safe and friendly place in which to work and learn. Staff and pupils say that they enjoy being here. Across the school, there are many smiles and much cheerful chatter. There is a supportive team spirit and leaders set high standards for others to follow. For the most part, pupils achieve well in reading and mathematics. They learn a lot in other subjects too, although staff do not always focus enough on what pupils really need to know. Trips and outdoor learning, such as regular forest school sessions, add excitement to lessons. There is plenty of lively behaviour on the playground, but pupils work hard in lessons. Staff teach them how to spot and report bullying. Instances of bullying are rare, but are followed up properly if anyone raises a concern. Good behaviour is noticed and rewarded, and there are several awards that recognise pupils' helpful actions and effort. Pupils have a voice in shaping school life. They take on jobs that help the day to run smoothly, and they get involved in community projects. The school has been through a lot of changes in the last few years. Many aspects have improved, although some aspects still need more work.

What the school should improve

• Leaders have put detailed curriculum guidance in place. However, in some subjects, staff are not sure what is the most important knowledge to emphasise, revisit and check. This means that pupils do not retain some crucial knowledge that helps them to get better at the subject. Leaders should provide new subject leaders and staff with training and support so that they know more about the crucial knowledge and key markers of progress in several foundation subjects.
• Leaders have established programmes to teach early reading and mathematics. Sometimes, staff add in extra books and/or questions that are not helpful. This works against the bulk of the highly effective reading and mathematics work that goes on and slows progress for a minority of pupils. Leaders should ensure that all staff follow the school's stated approach with fidelity. To achieve this, they should provide additional training and/or resources as appropriate.

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