Buckland Primary School, located in Laleham, Staines, Middlesex, was inspected on November 8 and 9, 2022. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as good, with specific areas such as the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, leadership and management, and early years provision also receiving good ratings. Notably, personal development was rated as outstanding. The school has maintained its previous inspection grade of good since the last evaluation in October 2017.
The school fosters an inclusive and warm environment where leaders, staff, and pupils collaborate effectively to create a supportive atmosphere. Pupils take pride in their values of believe, excel, strive, and together, which contribute to their development as confident and well-rounded individuals. The school provides a rich array of experiences that enhance pupils' engagement and ownership of their learning environment. Pupils demonstrate positive behaviour, support one another, and exhibit a strong sense of community. Bullying is infrequent, and staff build meaningful relationships with pupils and their families, fostering mutual trust and respect.
The teaching staff are dedicated and ambitious, ensuring that all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, receive the necessary support to thrive. Leaders are committed to delivering a high-quality education, carefully planning the curriculum to ensure that pupils make significant progress and are well-prepared for future educational challenges. However, there are a few subjects where curriculum development is less effective, and leaders are encouraged to enhance these areas.
Staff possess strong subject knowledge, supported by high-quality training, and they adapt their teaching to meet the diverse needs of pupils. In the early years, staff effectively teach routines and introduce vocabulary that prepares children for future learning. The phonics programme is well-structured, enabling pupils to develop confidence in reading, which is evident in their enthusiasm for literature.
Pupils are focused and engaged in their learning, with minimal disruption observed during lessons. On occasions when low-level disruption occurs, staff respond promptly and effectively. Pupils take on leadership roles, such as playground buddies and digital leaders, which allows them to contribute positively to the school community. The school emphasizes character building and confidence through a variety of experiences, preparing pupils for their next educational stages and broader life skills.
Leaders celebrate the school's cultural diversity, promoting an excellent understanding of equality among pupils. The personal, social, health, and economic education, along with relationships and sex education programmes, effectively teach pupils about equality and respect for individual choices. Staff feel supported and valued, and governors work strategically to ensure that vulnerable families receive necessary support, although persistent absence among disadvantaged pupils remains a concern.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, with well-trained staff who can identify and address concerns promptly. Leaders have a solid understanding of the risks to pupils' safety and well-being, ensuring that the curriculum teaches pupils how to manage risks effectively.
To improve, leaders need to ensure that curriculum changes are fully embedded across all subjects, enabling consistent learning outcomes for pupils. Additionally, some governors require further training to understand their statutory duties better, which will enhance their ability to challenge school leaders effectively. Addressing the persistent absence of vulnerable pupils is also a priority to ensure that all students benefit from the school's offerings.
