Barnfield Primary School, located on Silkstream Road in Edgware, was inspected on June 5 and 6, 2024. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as good, maintaining a strong educational environment for its pupils. The quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision were all assessed as good. This inspection follows a previous outstanding rating from 11 years ago, reflecting a longer than usual gap between graded inspections due to legal exemptions and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Pupils at Barnfield Primary School express enjoyment in their learning experiences. The school’s leadership is ambitious, aiming for all students to succeed. Pupils embody the school’s core principles, which emphasize being healthy, ambitious, empathetic, curious, and creative. The positive behaviour exhibited by pupils fosters a respectful atmosphere towards both adults and peers, contributing to a safe and secure school environment.
The curriculum at Barnfield is well-designed and implemented, allowing pupils to produce high-quality work. The school places significant emphasis on both academic and personal development. Enrichment opportunities, such as visits to the Science Museum and London Zoo, enhance the curriculum. Additionally, a variety of extracurricular clubs, including sports, gardening, and performing arts, provide pupils with diverse experiences. Notably, the Performing Arts Club recently staged a production of Disney’s Frozen, showcasing the talents of the students.
Leadership at the school has established numerous leadership opportunities for pupils. Initiatives such as the eco-warriors program encourage students to contribute positively to the school community through activities like gardening. Older pupils take on mentoring roles, supporting younger peers in the playground, which fosters a sense of responsibility and pride in their school.
The curriculum is ambitious and aligns with national standards, with a clear focus on essential knowledge across subjects. The sequential development of knowledge from early years through to upper primary ensures that pupils build a deep understanding of the curriculum. For instance, in science, early years pupils engage with sensory gardens and plant growth, which lays the foundation for more complex concepts in later years. The integration of subjects is also evident, as seen in English lessons where reading about plants complements science learning.
While the curriculum is generally well-implemented, some subjects are newer and not as deeply embedded, leading to occasional gaps in pupils’ understanding. Leaders are aware of these challenges and have plans to address them. Effective systems are in place to identify and support pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring that all students can access the curriculum.
The school prioritizes early reading, with staff trained to implement a phonics program effectively. Pupils practice reading with books that match their phonetic knowledge, and targeted interventions help those who need additional support. This focus has led to significant improvements in phonics screening results over time. The school encourages a love of reading from the outset, with engaging activities that promote reading among younger and older pupils alike.
Personal development is a key focus, with the curriculum designed to address important societal issues such as democracy and diversity. Pupils learn about various religions and family structures, fostering an understanding and celebration of diversity. Events like Aspirations Week provide opportunities for pupils to engage with professionals from different fields, preparing them for future educational stages.
Behaviour in the school is commendable, with established routines and expectations leading to a positive learning environment. Leaders have identified improving attendance as a priority and have implemented rigorous systems to support families, resulting in improved attendance rates.
The leadership team, along with the governing body, demonstrates a clear understanding of the school’s strengths and areas for improvement. Staff feel supported in their roles, with leaders considering their workload. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils.
In summary, Barnfield Primary School provides a good quality of education, with strong leadership, a well-implemented curriculum, and a focus on personal development. While there are areas for improvement, particularly in embedding newer subjects, the school is committed to addressing these challenges and continuing to support its pupils effectively.
