Chandlers Field Primary School, located in West Molesey, Surrey, has undergone an ungraded inspection on 7 and 8 March 2023. The overall judgement remains good, although evidence suggests that a graded inspection might yield a lower rating. The inspection team recommends that the next evaluation be a graded one. The school promotes values such as aspiration, perseverance, compassion, respect, courage, and togetherness, which are integral to its inclusive environment. Staff maintain high expectations for pupil behavior and achievement, fostering confidence and independence among students. Most pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, perform well, though some could achieve even higher standards.
The leadership team offers a diverse range of experiences that enrich the curriculum. Pupils take pride in showcasing their artwork and participating in hands-on activities, such as those related to the Stone Age. They are encouraged to assume responsibilities, such as peer mentoring and serving on the school council, which empowers them to contribute to school improvements. A variety of extracurricular clubs are available, including Spanish, coding, art, and dodgeball, although participation in these activities is currently low.
Pupils exhibit kindness, politeness, and respect, thriving in the positive culture established by the staff. They feel safe at school, with a zero-tolerance policy towards bullying and unkind behavior. Staff are approachable, and pupils are confident that their concerns will be addressed. Parents and carers express satisfaction with the school, noting that their children are happy there.
While the leadership team is ambitious for all pupils, particularly those with SEND or from disadvantaged backgrounds, there are procedural weaknesses. For instance, staff do not consistently report behavioral challenges faced by some pupils in sufficient detail, hindering leaders' ability to monitor behavioral patterns effectively. However, some of these issues were addressed during the inspection. Although governors are knowledgeable and committed, they sometimes lack the information needed to fulfill their statutory duties confidently.
The curriculum is broad and balanced, but in certain subjects, pupils struggle to recall key concepts. This is attributed to leaders not accurately identifying the vocabulary and knowledge necessary for retention. In early years, essential knowledge is clearly outlined, and learning is sequenced effectively, allowing children to build on prior knowledge. In Reception, pupils develop their mathematical understanding and communication skills well. Across the school, staff employ a consistent teaching approach, ensuring activities are tailored to pupils' needs. Teachers assess understanding and address knowledge gaps before progressing to more complex topics, enabling pupils with SEND to achieve similar success as their peers.
Reading is a priority, with leaders determined to cultivate keen, confident readers. From nursery, children engage with books and rhymes, retelling stories with confidence. Phonics instruction begins early, providing a solid foundation for reading. Staff deliver a consistent phonics program, offering systematic support to struggling readers, including those with SEND and English as an additional language.
The school environment is conducive to learning, with established routines in early years promoting personal care and independence. Most pupils behave well in lessons and during playtime, and teachers maintain a calm classroom atmosphere, allowing for focused learning. Occasionally, some pupils may struggle with behavior regulation, but skilled staff effectively help them refocus.
Leaders recognize the importance of supporting pupils' emotional and physical well-being, providing opportunities for physical activity throughout the day. The personal, social, and health education curriculum teaches pupils to appreciate diverse faiths, languages, and ethnicities, preparing them for life in modern Britain. Safeguarding arrangements are effective, with a strong emphasis on pupil safety and welfare. Staff receive regular training, although record-keeping regarding safeguarding training needs improvement. Overall, while the school demonstrates many strengths, there are areas for development that require attention to enhance the educational experience for all pupils.
