Friday Bridge Community Primary School in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, received a positive inspection report, reflecting significant improvements since its previous evaluation. The school was inspected on April 27 and 28, 2022, and was rated as good in all areas, including overall effectiveness, quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. This marks a notable advancement from its previous grade of requires improvement.
Pupils at the school demonstrate happiness and a strong desire to excel in their studies. They respond well to the high expectations set by the staff, who are committed to supporting and caring for them. The trust between pupils and staff fosters a safe environment where concerns can be addressed promptly. The school has effectively minimized bullying, and when incidents do occur, they are dealt with swiftly. Early years children are well-acquainted with school rules and routines, which aids their learning and adjustment.
The curriculum is well-organized and ambitious, clearly outlining what pupils should learn and when. It introduces pupils to challenging vocabulary and topics, with teachers making connections across subjects to deepen understanding. The school promotes a love of reading, starting from the early years, with staff well-trained in phonics instruction. This ensures that pupils become confident and fluent readers, with additional support provided for those who need it.
In the early years, children receive a strong foundation, with a well-planned curriculum that covers all areas of learning. Staff are skilled in fostering children's thinking and language development, and routines are well established. However, there is a need for improvement in the outdoor learning environment to match the effectiveness of indoor provisions.
Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities are well supported, with their needs accurately identified and addressed through effective planning and collaboration among staff, parents, and external partners. The school has efficient systems in place to ensure these pupils achieve well.
While some subject leaders are new to their roles and require further training to effectively monitor their subjects, leaders are actively providing support to develop their skills. Positive relationships underpin behaviour management, with staff maintaining high expectations for both learning and behaviour. Leaders also prioritize opportunities for personal development, encouraging pupils to engage in decision-making and understand democratic principles.
Governors are well-informed and actively engage with school leaders to ensure the quality of education is continuously improving. They ask insightful questions to verify the accuracy of the information provided to them, and leaders consider staff workload in their decision-making processes.
The school takes safeguarding seriously, with effective arrangements in place. Staff receive regular training, and concerns are raised appropriately to ensure vulnerable pupils receive the necessary support. The school environment is safe, and pupils are educated on how to keep themselves safe, including online safety.
To further enhance the quality of education, leaders need to ensure that subject leaders receive adequate training and support to monitor their areas effectively. Additionally, improvements are needed in the outdoor curriculum for early years to provide children with more opportunities for effective learning outside. Overall, the inspection highlights the school's commitment to providing a supportive and enriching educational experience for all pupils.
