Sandcross Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 3 February 2026

Pupils understand the school values of kindness, respect, responsibility and resilience well. They explain confidently how they demonstrate these values in everyday situations. This begins with the youngest children. For example, in the Nursery Year, adults use everyday moments to help children recognise how tackling challenges builds their resilience. Pupils attend regularly and show positive attitudes to school life. Pupils feel well known. ‘Pupil Parliament’ gives them an effective way to share ideas with leaders. Pupils speak enthusiastically about improvements that have resulted from their suggestions. Recent examples include new playground zones and the purchase of golf equipment funded through pupil-led events. High expectations and thoughtful support ensure that those who face barriers to learning or wellbeing are fully included. Pupils feel confident seeking help, whether by approaching trusted adults or using the school’s online worry button. They trust adults will act on their concerns, including about bullying if it were to occur. The breadth of enrichment opportunities is impressive. Children in the early years enjoy activities that build strong foundations for later interests. Older pupils can choose from an extensive range of clubs, including gardening, sewing and badminton. Pupils say that these opportunities help them to grow their passions and make friends across classes. They also value the many trips that bring learning to life. Pupils are proud of the school minibuses that take them on visits. They are currently helping to design the new buses for their school. Pupils benefit from the careful thought leaders give to managing the school day. Transitions are calm and well supervised, helping pupils feel safe and cared for. At lunchtime, pupils enjoy activities such as den building and tyre rolling on the playing field, once they have put on their wellies of course. Pupils contribute to the school and wider community through litter picking and charity events. They enjoy seeing the positive impact of their fundraising.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should strengthen the teaching of handwriting across the school and ensure that staff systematically identify and correct errors so that pupils develop secure and fluent writing skills.
• Leaders should maintain a clear and sustained focus on attendance and continue to refine actions that reduce persistent absence for key groups, particularly for disadvantaged pupils.

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