The Mary Bassett Lower School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 22 May 2024

Pupils enjoy coming to school, especially to spend time with their friends at playtimes. They are respectful of each other and others' opinions. Pupils work to resolve any friendship issues sensibly. They know that they can go to any member of staff who will help them if they need it. Furthermore, they have their 'handy people', who they can turn to if they prefer. Pupils are engaged, focused, and well behaved in lessons. They work well together and contribute enthusiastically to discussions. Due to recent changes in the curriculum, pupils enjoy the topics that they are learning about. They found their recent visit to Bletchley Park fascinating. They could see what they had learned about the Second World War first hand. Pupils' achievements are improving. Part of this is due to the excitement they have for learning. They also know that staff have high expectations of them and work hard to achieve these. Pupils are prepared well for the next stage of learning, particularly children in the early years. Pupils know how to stay safe. They have talks on water safety and fire safety from external organisations. Pupils are clear on what they need to do to stay safe online.

What the school should improve

• Staff lack detailed subject knowledge of some topics. Staff, therefore, cannot teach the content of the topics in the detail required to ensure that pupils develop a secure understanding of these topics. Staff also cannot check on pupils' learning as well as they should. The school must ensure that staff have the subject knowledge they need to be able to teach all topics well and check pupils' understanding.
• Pupils have limited opportunities to take on some responsibilities, which would promote further their personal development. The school should provide greater opportunities for pupils to take on responsibilities to further support their personal and character development.

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