Ofsted conducted a short inspection of Bell Farm Primary School on 5 March 2019, following its previous judgment of good in March 2015. The inspection confirmed that the school continues to maintain a good quality of education. The leadership team, including senior leaders and governors, has effectively driven improvements and has a clear understanding of the school’s strengths and areas for development. They share a vision to enable pupils to achieve their best and develop into mature, caring individuals.
The school community embraces the motto of Proud to Belong, fostering an inclusive culture that makes the large school feel like a family. Parents express overwhelming positivity about the school, highlighting the strong ethos and the motivation provided to children. They appreciate the responsiveness of teachers and staff to concerns, with many parents stating they would recommend the school to others.
Pupils demonstrate a love for school, exhibiting good behavior and positive attitudes towards learning. They find lessons engaging and feel challenged by the high expectations set by staff. Teachers provide constructive feedback, helping pupils learn from their mistakes and improve. Lessons are often memorable due to imaginative planning, such as Year 6 pupils learning about the heart through dissection, which followed a comprehensive study of its structure and function. Pupils also enjoy educational visits to places like the Science Museum and the Natural History Museum.
Academic achievement is strong, particularly for the most able pupils, an area identified for improvement in the previous inspection. Recent data shows that the proportions of pupils achieving higher standards in reading, writing, and mathematics at the end of key stages 1 and 2 are well above national averages. In the early years, children receive a strong start, with teachers planning a variety of activities that promote independence and enthusiasm for learning. The curriculum is focused on foundational skills, and staff actively seek opportunities to deepen children's understanding in key areas.
Staff morale is high, with all who participated in the staff questionnaire expressing enjoyment in their work and pride in being part of the team. Senior leaders ensure that staff receive appropriate training and support, particularly in developing leadership capacity within the school. The leadership team actively seeks opportunities to equip staff with the skills necessary for leadership roles.
Safeguarding measures are effective, with leaders ensuring that all arrangements are fit for purpose. A strong culture prioritizes pupil well-being, and staff receive regular training to recognize and address safeguarding concerns. The school collaborates with external agencies to support vulnerable pupils and families, ensuring their safety. Pupils learn about safety from a young age, with practical lessons in using tools and understanding risks in various situations.
The inspection focused on three key areas: the curriculum's effectiveness for all pupils, the use of pupil premium funding for disadvantaged pupils, and ensuring regular attendance. The curriculum is strong in reading, writing, and mathematics, but the planning of the wider curriculum lacks clear sequences that enable secure acquisition of subject-specific knowledge. Leaders are aware of the barriers faced by disadvantaged pupils and have strategies in place to address these challenges. While progress for disadvantaged pupils has improved, there remains a gap in attainment compared to their peers.
Attendance has been a concern, particularly among disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs. However, leaders have made significant efforts to improve attendance rates, tracking individual pupils and providing support to families. As a result, attendance has increased sharply and is nearing national figures, with notable improvements among disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs.
Next steps for the school include targeting pupil premium funding more effectively to meet the needs of specific pupils and enhancing the wider curriculum to ensure pupils acquire essential knowledge and skills across various subjects. The inspection findings will be shared with the governing body, regional schools commissioner, and the director of children’s services for Surrey, and the letter will be published on the Ofsted website.
