Bellfield Primary School, located in Hull, has recently undergone an inspection that highlighted its overall effectiveness as good, with outstanding ratings in behavior and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management. The school fosters a strong sense of community, often referred to as the Bellfield family, where both staff and pupils play positive roles in promoting the school's core values encapsulated in the acronym BEAMS, which stands for behavior, enthusiasm, attitude, manners, and support. Pupils are encouraged to reflect on their behavior and identify how they embody these qualities in their daily activities.
The school employs restorative practices to promote positive behavior, utilizing restorative circles that facilitate open conversations among pupils, parents, and staff. This approach allows students to resolve conflicts amicably, with designated pupil restorative champions assisting their peers during playtime. The school has established a clear understanding of bullying, empowering pupils to seek help from champions or adults if necessary. Furthermore, the school emphasizes the importance of individuality, with pupils expressing their appreciation for the diverse environment that encourages everyone to be themselves.
Bellfield Primary School provides numerous leadership opportunities for pupils, allowing them to take on roles such as curriculum and attendance champions. These positions enable students to influence the school community positively, such as sharing tips for maintaining good attendance. The curriculum is well-structured, beginning with a focus on the local area and gradually expanding to encompass broader geographical contexts. Leaders ensure that pupils grasp essential knowledge in each subject area, fostering a love for reading from an early age through daily reading sessions and phonics lessons.
Mathematics instruction is a notable strength of the school, with leaders demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of the curriculum and high expectations for all pupils. Teachers adapt their teaching methods to meet the diverse needs of their students, providing constructive feedback that helps address misconceptions. However, there is a recognition that support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) varies across subjects, with leaders currently reviewing how to enhance this support to ensure consistent progress.
The school employs various assessment methods to gauge pupil learning, including quizzes and discussions that help inform future planning. While pupils generally retain knowledge well in subjects like history, there is a noted lack of confidence in making connections in art. From the outset, staff establish positive relationships with families, setting high expectations for children and encouraging them to take risks in their learning.
Bellfield Primary School offers a range of extracurricular activities, with older pupils leading clubs that allow them to explore their interests further. Pupils are given the autonomy to make decisions regarding their mental health, choosing between outdoor play or utilizing the resilience room for reading and games. The leadership team is praised for its exceptional skills and consistent communication of the school's vision and values, responding effectively to community needs.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are robust, with staff receiving training to identify signs of harm and holding regular meetings to stay updated on relevant issues. Leaders are particularly attentive to the vulnerabilities of pupils with SEND, ensuring that they are monitored closely for any changes in behavior that may indicate well-being concerns. Pupils are educated on online safety, understanding the importance of protecting their personal information.
To improve, the school must focus on providing more effective support for pupils with SEND across all curriculum areas to ensure they make consistent progress. Overall, Bellfield Primary School demonstrates a commitment to fostering a nurturing and inclusive environment that prioritizes the well-being and development of all its pupils.
