Upperby Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 15 November 2022

Pupils are happy in school and feel safe. They are polite, courteous and friendly. Staff deal with any cases of bullying effectively. Pupils know right from wrong. Most are respectful and tolerant of those who may be different from themselves. Pupils enjoy taking part in cultural and adventurous activities in the local area and further afield. They look forward to visits to outdoor education centres and cities, such as Edinburgh, where they can stay overnight. These build character and support pupils in learning about life in wider British society. Pupils look after one another. Older pupils take responsibility for younger pupils through being playground buddies. Pupils have an active school council. All pupils are able to participate in this through an electronic voting system. This helps them learn about democracy and citizenship. Parents and carers of children in the early years typically commented on how well children settle into school. They said that staff are very caring and approachable. Leaders and teachers have high expectations of pupils' behaviour. Lessons are rarely disrupted. This is because most pupils are keen to learn. Pupils know that teachers expect them to try hard and do their very best work. Leaders make sure that pupils who sometimes find learning difficult, including pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), receive effective support. Most pupils, as well as children in the early years, achieve well.

What the school should improve

• Historic weaknesses in the curriculum for some foundation subjects mean that older pupils in key stage 2 have gaps in their knowledge and understanding. Leaders should ensure that the revised curriculum is fully implemented in all year groups so that pupils systematically learn the specific knowledge and skills they need in all subjects.
• Staff in the early years do not take up enough opportunities to develop children's communication and language skills when they are learning through play in the continuous provision. Leaders should ensure that all staff are skilled in recognising opportunities to intervene in children's play activities and able to support them in broadening their vocabulary and extending their thinking.

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