Bridport Primary School is a vibrant and inclusive educational institution located in Bridport, Dorset. The recent inspection conducted on March 7 and 8, 2023, concluded that the school has made significant improvements since its previous inspection, where it was rated as requiring improvement. The current overall effectiveness of the school is rated as good, reflecting the positive changes implemented by the leadership team.
The school is characterized by a welcoming atmosphere where leaders maintain high expectations for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Pupils demonstrate a strong commitment to their learning and strive to meet these expectations, achieving well across various subjects. The curriculum is broad and ambitious, beginning in the early years and ensuring that pupils build their knowledge and skills progressively. For instance, younger children develop a solid understanding of numbers, while older pupils tackle more complex mathematical concepts such as fractions and percentages.
A notable strength of the school is its commitment to inclusivity. Pupils appreciate the emphasis on celebrating differences and understand the importance of mental and physical well-being for their success. The school provides adequate support for pupils requiring emotional and well-being assistance, ensuring that all students feel valued and safe. Behaviour in the school is commendable, with pupils displaying politeness and respect towards one another and staff. Instances of bullying are addressed promptly by teachers, contributing to a calm and conducive learning environment.
The leadership team has effectively designed a curriculum for early reading that is well-structured and sequenced. Pupils enjoy reading and become confident, fluent readers through consistent teaching methods and well-matched reading materials. Teachers regularly assess pupils' phonics knowledge and provide additional support to those who need it, ensuring that all pupils progress in their reading skills.
While the school excels in many areas, there are aspects that require further development. Some subjects lack precise identification of essential knowledge, which can hinder pupils' retention of what they have learned. Additionally, in certain subjects, leaders are not fully aware of how well pupils understand the material taught. To address these issues, it is crucial for leaders to clarify the key content that needs to be taught and to implement effective assessment strategies that accurately measure pupils' understanding.
Pupils' personal, social, and emotional development is emerging as a strength of the school. They engage in various activities that promote leadership skills, such as peer mediation and junior governance. The school also provides opportunities for pupils to explore their interests through clubs and extracurricular activities, fostering a well-rounded educational experience.
The trustees and leaders from the multi-academy trust demonstrate a strong understanding of the school’s needs, offering effective support and challenge to the leadership team. Staff members appreciate the professional development opportunities provided by the trust and feel that their workload and well-being are considered.
The safeguarding arrangements at Bridport Primary School are effective, with staff trained to recognize signs of risk and to respond appropriately. Leaders are proactive in supporting families and addressing concerns swiftly, ensuring that pupils are safe and well cared for.
In summary, Bridport Primary School has made commendable progress since its last inspection, achieving a good rating in various aspects of education and personal development. The school is committed to fostering an inclusive environment where all pupils can thrive academically and personally, although there are areas for improvement that leaders are actively addressing.
