Ofsted conducted a monitoring inspection of Buswells Lodge Primary School on 27 September 2023, following two successive judgments of requires improvement. The purpose of this inspection was to assess the progress made by the school since its last graded inspection, rather than to provide an overall effectiveness grade. The inspection involved discussions with the headteacher, the acting deputy headteacher, subject leaders, a local authority representative, and governing body members. The inspector also visited lessons, spoke with pupils and staff, reviewed samples of pupils' work, and examined safeguarding documents and the curriculum in history and geography.
The findings indicate that while progress has been made, further work is necessary for the school to achieve a good rating. The school is advised to ensure that the early years curriculum clearly outlines the essential knowledge children will learn and that its implementation is monitored effectively from early years through to Year six. Additionally, it is important to address the recent curriculum changes to prevent negative impacts on staff well-being and workload.
Since the last inspection, there have been staffing changes, including the departure of the deputy headteacher and two teachers. However, the school has increased its capacity for improvement in early years by employing experienced teachers and a dedicated family support worker. The school is taking effective steps to enhance the quality of education, particularly in early reading, by training staff in phonics and ensuring that reading materials align with pupils' phonetic knowledge.
The school has prioritized developing plans for the wider curriculum, initially focusing on computing and music before expanding to other subjects. Curriculum plans are now established for all areas, and a published scheme serves as a foundation for the curriculum. The school has considered the local context and the needs of its pupils, mapping out experiences to enhance their understanding of both the local area and the wider world.
Efforts are underway to refine the early years curriculum, ensuring that the necessary knowledge for all areas of learning is identified. Subject leaders are collaborating with early years staff to create a cohesive curriculum that builds on what children learn in Nursery and Reception. The school recognizes the need for further implementation of the intended curriculum to ensure that all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, achieve their potential. A strategic approach to monitoring this implementation is being developed.
The school has high aspirations for early years children and has engaged external support to redesign learning environments, which now effectively support children's learning. Governors are actively involved in holding leaders accountable for the quality of education, understanding the school's priorities, and challenging leaders on the impact of their decisions. However, the numerous changes to the curriculum have affected staff morale, and it is essential to ensure that staff feel supported rather than overwhelmed.
There is a consistent approach to behavior management, with most pupils believing that staff handle bullying incidents effectively. Pupils are aware of the school's rules and express feeling safe within the school environment. The headteacher has collaborated closely with the local authority and external partners, benefiting from their support in the school's improvement journey. Overall, while the school has made strides in its development, continued efforts are needed to ensure sustained improvement and a positive learning environment for all students.
