John Blandy Primary School, located in Southmoor, Abingdon, Oxfordshire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on November 30 and December 1, 2021. The school is characterized by strong relationships among staff, pupils, and families, creating a warm and supportive environment. Leaders are well-acquainted with every family, fostering a sense of community. Pupils express that the school is a place where they feel cared for, with one student noting the importance of having someone to help when feeling down. The school promotes values of belonging, belief, and brilliance, which pupils embody through their hard work and enthusiasm for learning.
The leadership team is committed to developing pupils' character through a variety of additional activities, including leadership roles that help pupils feel safe and engaged in the school community. The school has a proactive approach to resolving conflicts, with playground mentors assisting in any incidents that arise. Bullying is not seen as a significant issue, and pupils are confident that staff will address any concerns promptly.
Academically, John Blandy Primary School aims for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disadvantaged backgrounds, to discover their unique strengths. The curriculum is broad and balanced, with a strong emphasis on reading. Leaders have prioritized reading as a core component of the curriculum, ensuring that staff are well-trained in phonics instruction from the start of a child's education. This focus has fostered a love of reading among pupils, who regularly engage with books both at school and at home.
Mathematics instruction is also well-structured, with teachers demonstrating strong subject knowledge and effectively assessing pupils' understanding through questioning. The school has begun to re-sequence its curriculum to ensure that knowledge and skills are built upon over time, although some foundation subjects are still in the process of being fully implemented.
Pupils exhibit excellent behavior and support one another in both social and academic settings. Established routines help create a calm atmosphere conducive to learning. The school has reintroduced curricular trips and visits, which have been well-received by pupils, enhancing their connection to the local community and enriching their educational experience.
Staff at John Blandy Primary School take pride in their work and appreciate the professional development opportunities provided by the leadership team. The school prioritizes staff well-being, promoting a healthy work-life balance.
Safeguarding measures are effective, with a strong culture of vigilance among staff who are trained to recognize and respond to any changes in pupil behavior. Leaders act swiftly on any concerns, ensuring that pupils feel safe and understand the importance of mental health.
While the school has many strengths, it recognizes the need to further embed its curriculum across all subjects to ensure that pupils can build their knowledge effectively over time. Leaders are committed to monitoring curriculum implementation closely to enhance the educational experience for all pupils. Overall, John Blandy Primary School continues to provide a supportive and enriching environment for its pupils, fostering both academic and personal growth.
