Sunny Bank Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 20 June 2023

Pupils are proud to attend Sunny Bank Primary School. They feel happy and they value being part of this close-knit learning community. Pupils appreciate the support that they receive from their teachers and from their friends. Pupils know that leaders and staff have high expectations for their behaviour and for their achievement. Typically, pupils rise to these expectations. They achieve well. Pupils also spoke to inspectors with enthusiasm about the recognition that they receive when they try their best. For example, pupils delight in receiving certificates of recognition in assemblies. They also enjoy visits to the achievement café, where they can have a drink and a biscuit to celebrate their hard work. Pupils embrace the many ways that people are unique. They know that others should not be judged because of their differences. Staff teach pupils about the different forms of bullying. If bullying or name-calling happens, leaders and staff deal with this effectively. This helps pupils to feel safe. They know who they can talk with, should they have any concerns or worries. Pupils enjoy a variety of after-school activities, including well-being, art, computing, and learning clubs. They have opportunities to join the school choir and to become proficient at playing musical instruments. A recent careers day allowed pupils to learn about a range of professions. This inspired them to reflect on possible vocations to follow in the future.

What the school should improve

• In a few subjects, teachers do not make links to previous learning clear enough when they deliver new content. Over time, this prevents some pupils from securing important information into their long-term memory. Leaders should ensure that teachers build on pupils' prior learning to enable them to develop a rich and deep body of subject knowledge across all subjects.
• From time to time, staff do not follow the agreed approaches when delivering the phonics programme. This slows some pupils' progress in becoming accurate and fluent readers. Leaders should ensure that all staff develop the expertise required to deliver the phonics programme consistently well.

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