Barnwood Church of England Primary School, located in Gloucester, has recently undergone an inspection on December 5 and 6, 2023, and has been rated as good in overall effectiveness, quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. This marks a significant improvement from its previous inspection, which rated the school as requiring improvement.
The school is characterized by a friendly, safe, and welcoming environment where pupils enjoy learning. The staff have created a nurturing atmosphere that supports both pupils and their families. The school promotes a vision of community and kindness, encouraging pupils to embrace the ethos of loving their neighbours. This is reflected in the way pupils interact with one another, showing respect and valuing each individual for who they are. The adults in the school are described as calm, caring, and attentive to the needs of the pupils, ensuring their safety and well-being. Parents have expressed high regard for the staff's commitment to understanding each child on an individual level.
Pupils at Barnwood Church of England Primary School are held to high expectations, and they respond positively to these challenges. They demonstrate a keen interest in their learning and are diligent in their work. The school organizes various special events, such as science week and world book day, which further engage pupils in their educational journey. Behaviour in the school is commendable, with pupils playing happily together during breaks and adhering to clear school rules.
The school offers a diverse range of opportunities for pupils to explore their talents and interests through various clubs and activities. Pupils are encouraged to take on roles that contribute to the school community, such as peer mediators and mini police, fostering a sense of responsibility and leadership.
Following the previous inspection, the school has made significant strides in developing an ambitious curriculum that supports learning across most subjects. Pupils are able to articulate their learning experiences confidently and demonstrate a solid understanding of the material. However, there are still areas for improvement, particularly in writing across the curriculum, where some pupils do not achieve the same level of effectiveness as in other subjects.
Reading is prioritized within the school, with a well-structured phonics program in place that begins as soon as pupils start school. Staff are well-trained to deliver high-quality phonics lessons, which help pupils become confident and fluent readers. The reading curriculum is comprehensive, exposing pupils to a wide variety of texts and genres, which fosters a positive attitude towards reading.
In mathematics, pupils are enthusiastic and make good progress through a coherently planned curriculum. Teachers employ strategies such as regular reviews of previous learning to help pupils retain knowledge and apply their skills to more complex problems. The school effectively identifies and supports pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they have access to the same curriculum as their peers.
Pupils generally exhibit good behaviour and enjoy collaborative learning experiences. The school promotes personal development through various leadership opportunities, teaching pupils about democratic processes and encouraging participation in school governance. The range of extracurricular clubs available, including sports, art, and dance, is accessible to all pupils, enhancing their overall school experience.
Governors play an active role in the school, demonstrating a strong understanding of its operations and providing both challenge and support to school leaders. They share the school's ambitions for pupil learning and well-being, and staff appreciate the consideration given to their workload and well-being.
The school has effective safeguarding arrangements in place, ensuring the safety and welfare of all pupils. However, there are areas identified for improvement, particularly in ensuring that all subjects clearly define the essential knowledge pupils need to learn and in providing more opportunities for pupils to apply their writing skills across the curriculum. Addressing these areas will further enhance the quality of education provided at Barnwood Church of England Primary School.
