Bardwell Church of England Primary School, located in Bardwell, Suffolk, underwent an inspection on July 12 and 13, 2022. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as good, reflecting significant improvements since the previous inspection, which had identified the school as requiring improvement. The quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision were all rated as good.
Pupils at Bardwell Primary School express enjoyment in attending school and feel safe within its environment. They appreciate their teachers, who make lessons engaging and interesting. The school fosters a strong sense of community, with pupils often describing it as a family school. They report that behavior is generally good, with minimal instances of bullying, and any unkind behavior is addressed promptly.
Academic achievement is commendable, with pupils performing well across most subjects. The teaching of early reading has improved significantly, although some pupils in key stage two still exhibit gaps in their phonics knowledge due to previous inconsistencies in teaching. The introduction of a new phonics, reading, and spelling curriculum is helping to address these gaps effectively.
In the early years, children are reported to be safe and happy, engaging in fun learning activities that prepare them well for Year 1. The school offers a variety of seasonal sports clubs and extracurricular activities that contribute to the personal development of pupils, equipping them for life in modern Britain. Parental feedback is overwhelmingly positive regarding the school's efforts and achievements.
The senior leadership team, which began its tenure just before the COVID-19 pandemic, has worked diligently to address the areas for improvement identified in the last inspection. They have redesigned the curriculum to ensure that learning across all subjects is well-organized and sequenced. Following the return of pupils after the first national lockdown, the leadership team identified gaps in phonics knowledge, particularly among key stage two pupils. In response, they implemented new phonics, reading, and spelling programs, which have begun to yield positive results, although some older pupils still struggle with applying their phonics knowledge effectively.
Teachers at Bardwell Primary are passionate about promoting reading, encouraging pupils to explore a variety of authors and read widely. There is also strong support for pupils requiring additional help with their reading. The school has made significant strides in improving behavior, which was a concern in the previous inspection. High expectations for pupil behavior are set by all staff, and a warning system has been positively received by pupils.
In most subjects, pupils acquire essential knowledge that prepares them for the next stage of their education. Teachers regularly assess pupils' understanding to ensure they retain knowledge as they progress through the curriculum. Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities receive appropriate support to access the full curriculum, with the special educational needs coordinator ensuring their needs are met effectively.
The early years curriculum is ambitious and well-structured, with engaging learning activities that foster good behavior and a love for learning among children. Leaders promote personal development effectively, instilling respect and care among pupils. They are well-informed about the school's values and understand the importance of being resilient, reflective, and kind communicators. Educational visits and interactions with subject experts enhance the curriculum, and pupils learn about healthy relationships in line with national guidance.
Staff at Bardwell Primary take pride in their work and appreciate the support provided for their well-being. The school leadership offers effective mentoring for early career teachers. Governors play an active role in supporting and challenging school leaders, ensuring resources are used efficiently and effectively. They are well-informed about the school's strengths and areas needing further improvement.
The safeguarding arrangements at Bardwell Primary are effective, with robust systems in place to ensure pupil safety. Staff are well-trained and confident in identifying and reporting concerns. Leaders take prompt action to safeguard pupils, who are educated on how to stay safe both online and offline.
While the school has made significant progress, there are still areas for improvement, particularly in ensuring that all pupils effectively use their phonics knowledge when reading unfamiliar words. Continued support and training for staff in teaching phonics, reading, and spelling will be essential in addressing these challenges. Overall, Bardwell Church of England Primary School demonstrates a commitment to providing a high-quality education and fostering a supportive learning environment for all its pupils.
