New Bolsover Primary and Nursery School, located in Bolsover, Chesterfield, Derbyshire, has recently undergone an inspection on May 14 and 15, 2024, and has been rated as good in overall effectiveness, quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. The school has maintained its good rating since the previous inspection in January 2023.
Pupils express pride in their school, describing it as a close-knit community where they feel safe and supported by caring staff. They are aware of how to seek help for any concerns, confident that their worries will be addressed. The school has made significant improvements to its outdoor spaces, creating engaging and imaginative play areas that cater to the physical, social, and emotional needs of students. The various zones, including multi-level playgrounds and a sensory garden, have been well-received by pupils.
Behaviour in the school is generally good, with most pupils displaying positive conduct in lessons and throughout the school. However, a small number of pupils occasionally struggle with self-regulation. Staff are quick to intervene with appropriate support when needed, and recent improvements have positively impacted overall behaviour. The school is in the process of reintroducing after-school activities and sports events, which were affected by the pandemic, with plans to expand these opportunities over time.
Academic achievement in reading, writing, and mathematics is on the rise. The school has responded effectively to previous inspection recommendations by restructuring staff and leadership teams, which has led to a collaborative review and revision of the curriculum across all subjects. The new curriculum is ambitious and well-sequenced, clearly outlining the essential knowledge and skills pupils should acquire from early years through Year 6. While some subjects, such as science and Spanish, are still in the early stages of implementation, there are positive signs of engagement and understanding among pupils.
Teachers demonstrate strong subject knowledge and effectively use assessment to monitor pupil understanding, providing tailored support as necessary. Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities receive well-planned assistance, ensuring they can access the full curriculum. The school places a strong emphasis on reading, encouraging a love for books from an early age. Phonics instruction begins as soon as children start school, helping them develop into confident readers.
The early years provision is well-planned, with both indoor and outdoor areas designed to support children's development across all learning areas. However, some aspects of the early years curriculum are still being refined. The school has focused on improving attendance since the last inspection, resulting in significant improvements through the appointment of a dedicated staff member to foster positive relationships with parents and carers.
The school has also enhanced its approach to promoting pupils' personal development, establishing a solid personal, social, and health education curriculum. Initiatives like pupil passports and the SCARF values have been positively received, with pupils demonstrating an understanding of British values such as democracy and mutual respect. Staff report feeling supported in their roles, appreciating the consideration shown by leaders for their well-being.
Governance has seen recent improvements, but many non-staff governors are new and lack experience, which limits their ability to hold leaders accountable effectively. The school must ensure that governors develop a secure understanding of their roles to support the school's vision and performance. Overall, the school is well-positioned to continue its positive trajectory, with strong leadership and a commitment to enhancing the educational experience for all pupils.