Bewick Bridge Community Primary School in Cambridge has shown significant improvement since its last inspection, moving from a grade of Requires Improvement to Good across all areas evaluated. The inspection, conducted on December 8 and 9, 2021, highlighted the school's commitment to fostering a positive learning environment where pupils can thrive. The quality of education is rated as good, with a strong emphasis on reading. Staff are skilled in teaching reading, enabling pupils, including those who struggle, to become confident and fluent readers. The school library is a popular place where many pupils enjoy spending their lunch breaks immersed in books.
Pupils are well aware of the school's two main rules: to be safe and to be respectful. They provide numerous examples of how they embody these principles in their daily interactions. This straightforward approach to behavior management promotes kindness and politeness among students. Older pupils often take the initiative to support younger ones during lunchtime, demonstrating a strong sense of community and responsibility.
The school has effectively addressed issues related to bullying, with pupils understanding its implications and recognizing that it occurs infrequently. They express confidence that any incidents will be promptly addressed by staff. The commitment of the staff to ensuring pupil safety is evident, as they prioritize creating a secure environment for all students.
Governance has played a crucial role in the school's progress. Governors have worked diligently to appoint effective leaders who share a vision for continuous improvement. The leadership team is dedicated to ensuring that every pupil becomes a proficient reader, providing staff with the necessary training to achieve this goal. Many pupils reach fluency in reading by Year 2, and teachers actively promote independent reading by providing appropriate books and encouraging library use.
The curriculum is continually evaluated and improved, with leaders carefully selecting and sequencing what pupils need to learn. Following a recent amalgamation with a pre-school, some leaders have successfully adapted curriculum planning to benefit early years education. However, there are still areas for improvement, particularly in ensuring that all leaders possess the knowledge to effectively plan for early years learning.
Assessment practices vary across subjects, with some areas demonstrating effective use while others require further development. In science, for instance, pupils are encouraged to track their knowledge over time, which aids in recognizing their progress. However, in some subjects, assessment systems are not as well established, limiting their effectiveness.
In the early years, staff engage children in meaningful activities that promote language development through questioning and interaction. An online platform is utilized to share children's achievements with parents, fostering a collaborative approach to supporting learning at home.
The school community is characterized by a strong commitment to inclusivity and support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities. Staff work collaboratively to identify and assist these pupils, ensuring they receive the necessary support to thrive.
Pupils express pride in their school and appreciate the opportunities for learning about diversity through various activities, including school trips and events. They recognize the positive impact of the school council in enhancing lunchtime activities and feel that unkind behavior is rare.
Attendance is high, thanks to the effective systems in place for monitoring and addressing any concerns. The school’s safeguarding arrangements are robust, with staff trained to recognize and respond to issues promptly. Pupils feel safe and know they can seek help from any staff member.
Overall, Bewick Bridge Community Primary School has made commendable strides in providing a supportive and effective educational environment, with a clear focus on reading and pupil well-being. The school is well-positioned to continue its journey of improvement, ensuring that all pupils receive a high-quality education.
