Bailey’s Court Primary School, located in Bradley Stoke, Bristol, has been recognized as a good school following its recent inspection on February 27 and 28, 2024. The school is characterized by a warm and welcoming environment that celebrates the diverse cultures and languages within its community. Pupils, including those who speak English as an additional language, receive strong support and achieve commendable results. The school fosters a sense of enjoyment among students, who demonstrate understanding and maturity regarding the world around them.
The school maintains high expectations for pupil behavior, resulting in a positive atmosphere where students are polite and well-mannered. Early years children are particularly engaged, showing enthusiasm for established routines. During social times, pupils of all ages interact well, utilizing materials from the school’s resources to create games and structures. Strong relationships between staff and pupils contribute to a safe environment where students feel heard and confident in expressing any concerns.
Bailey’s Court Primary offers a variety of extracurricular clubs, including drama, tag rugby, and skipping, which pupils participate in with pride. They take on roles such as buddies and members of the consultation group, understanding the importance of setting a positive example for their peers. The school has a clear vision for pupil achievement and is aware of its strengths and areas for improvement. The curriculum is well-structured, emphasizing essential knowledge and skills that pupils need to learn.
Reading is a central focus at the school, with pupils recognizing its significance and discussing how it transports them to different worlds. Phonics instruction begins as soon as children start school, and staff effectively teach this curriculum, providing additional support for those who struggle. As pupils progress, they demonstrate increasing accuracy, fluency, and expression in their reading.
The mathematics curriculum is also well-designed, with early years teachers using songs and rhymes to enhance children’s mathematical understanding. This approach fosters confidence in describing numerical patterns. Teachers regularly check pupils’ understanding, which aids in building their knowledge. For instance, older pupils can apply their mathematical skills to interpret line graphs.
While most subjects in the wider curriculum are well-taught, there are some areas, such as geography, where pupils’ knowledge is less secure due to the newness of the curriculum. The school’s assessment methods are not yet fully effective in ensuring that pupils retain important knowledge over time. Some students struggle to connect new learning with prior knowledge, which can hinder their progress.
The school is attentive to the needs of an increasing number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities. It promptly identifies these needs and adapts learning to support pupils with educational health care plans. Most pupils progress well through the curriculum, developing positive attitudes towards school from an early age. The school actively collaborates with parents and external agencies to promote regular attendance, resulting in improvements for many pupils.
Bailey’s Court Primary provides an excellent range of opportunities that enhance pupils’ personal development. Students engage with local industries and participate in fundraising for food banks. They enjoy learning about the environment in a forest setting and demonstrate a strong understanding of British values, including democracy and individual liberty. This prepares them well for life in modern Britain.
Governors play an effective role in supporting and challenging the school, demonstrating a good understanding of its operations. Staff appreciate the collaborative spirit within the school and value the training they receive to enhance their expertise. The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils.
To improve further, the school needs to enhance its assessment practices in newer subject curriculums to ensure that pupils retain knowledge and are well-prepared for future learning stages. This will help address the gaps in knowledge retention and ensure that all pupils build a solid foundation for their education. Overall, Bailey’s Court Primary School continues to provide a supportive and enriching educational experience for its pupils.