Ofsted conducted a short inspection of Friars Primary School and Nursery on 16 July 2019, following the previous inspection in December 2014, which rated the school as good. The current inspection confirmed that the school continues to maintain its good status. The leadership team has effectively upheld the quality of education, fostering a positive learning environment where both pupils and staff collaborate harmoniously. Strong relationships between staff and pupils contribute to a welcoming atmosphere, resulting in good attendance and a sense of community. The school has successfully engaged parents and carers, exemplified by a recent family picnic sports day that enhanced the school's profile in the local area. Feedback from parents has been overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the support provided to students and their overall progress.
Pupils expressed enjoyment in their learning experiences, particularly in competitive sports, and take pride in the achievements of their teams. The school boasts extensive outdoor play areas equipped with a variety of resources that promote physical activity during breaks. Behaviour among pupils is commendable, with friendliness and politeness evident in their interactions. In lessons, pupils demonstrate commitment and curiosity, contributing to their overall progress. They find lessons enjoyable and challenging, with teachers readily available to provide support when needed.
The trust supporting the school offers valuable professional development opportunities for staff, enhancing their teaching practices. The introduction of 'working walls' in classrooms has further enriched the learning environment, aiding in the consolidation of knowledge. Governors play an active role in supporting and challenging the school, maintaining a clear understanding of its operations and aspirations for pupil achievement. Their diligence ensures that appropriate oversight is in place to foster continuous improvement.
Safeguarding measures are robust, with a strong culture of safety evident throughout the school. Leaders diligently address concerns and collaborate with external agencies when necessary. Feedback from parents and staff indicates a high level of confidence in the school's ability to keep pupils safe. Pupils also feel secure and understand the importance of internet safety, aided by lessons and external agency visits.
The inspection focused on several key areas, including the curriculum's coherence and challenge. The introduction of a 'connected curriculum' has facilitated links across subjects, ensuring alignment with national objectives. While there is evidence of challenge in subjects like history and geography, there is a need for pupils to consistently use subject-specific vocabulary to prepare them for future educational stages.
The curriculum offers a diverse range of trips and clubs that pupils appreciate, enhancing their understanding of the world. Assessment practices have been refined to identify pupils needing additional support, particularly in writing and mathematics. Effective interventions have been implemented, leading to improved outcomes in recent assessments.
Phonics instruction is systematic and engaging, with teachers adapting tasks to meet the needs of their pupils. A language-rich environment is fostered, promoting vocabulary development. Leaders actively monitor pupils' progress in reading, ensuring timely interventions for those who struggle. Support for pupils with special educational needs is well-structured, with tailored programs in place to address individual barriers to learning.
Moving forward, the school aims to enhance pupil progress, particularly in writing, by refining assessment practices and encouraging the use of rich, subject-specific language in lessons beyond English and mathematics. The commitment to continuous improvement remains a priority for the leadership team and governors.
