Bacton Primary School, located in Stowmarket, Suffolk, underwent an inspection on June 6 and 7, 2023, and received an overall effectiveness rating of good. This marks a significant improvement from its previous inspection, which rated the school as requiring improvement. The school has demonstrated a commitment to providing a high-quality education, with leaders ensuring that the curriculum is ambitious, broad, and inclusive. The school’s ethos encourages pupils to extend themselves in mind, body, and spirit, fostering a positive learning environment.
Pupils at Bacton Primary School express that it is a great place to learn. They feel safe and well cared for by the staff, which contributes to their enjoyment of school life. The school promotes high expectations for behavior, and pupils consistently meet these expectations by displaying kindness, respect, cooperation, and a strong work ethic. This positive behavior contributes to a low incidence of bullying, aligning with the school’s vision of working together and aiming high.
The enthusiasm for learning is evident among pupils, who demonstrate a high level of collaboration with their peers. Most pupils achieve well due to their eagerness to excel. The school provides a wide range of experiences that enhance learning, including collaborations with the local church, visits to community events, and participation in various educational cafés. Pupils also have opportunities to take on leadership roles, such as school councillors and eco-rangers, which promote their character development and prepare them for future citizenship.
The school prioritizes the teaching of reading, starting from the moment pupils enter the school. Leaders ensure that teachers are well-trained in phonics instruction, and lessons are structured to include engaging activities that support reading development. Teachers monitor pupils’ progress closely, identifying those who may need additional support to catch up. As a result, most pupils become fluent readers by the end of Year 1.
In the early years, children receive a solid foundation for future learning through a variety of play-based activities that promote phonics, numeracy, and exploration of the wider world. The supportive environment encourages kindness and respect among children, fostering positive interactions with both peers and adults.
Teachers consistently check pupils’ progress across all subjects and use this information to inform lesson planning. However, there are instances where some pupils do not receive sufficient challenge in their learning tasks, particularly in mathematics. This lack of challenge can hinder their ability to build on existing knowledge and achieve their full potential.
The school is committed to ensuring that pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) achieve as well as their peers. Leaders act swiftly to identify the needs of these pupils and ensure that staff are well-trained to provide the necessary support. Collaboration with external agencies further enhances the support available, allowing pupils with SEND to access the full curriculum and achieve well.
Pupils exhibit good behavior in lessons and throughout the school, adhering to established routines and expectations. This contributes to a smooth flow of lessons, minimizing disruptions and maximizing learning time. The school’s program for personal development is robust, with initiatives that help pupils understand democracy and appreciate diverse cultures and faiths. Enrichment activities, including trips and extracurricular clubs, are well-attended and contribute to a well-rounded educational experience.
Staff at Bacton Primary School appreciate the efforts of leaders to promote their well-being and provide opportunities for professional development. The local improvement board and trust leaders recognize the progress made since the last inspection, reflecting a strong commitment to continuous improvement.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, with leaders ensuring that all staff are vigilant and well-trained in safeguarding practices. Pupils feel confident discussing safety, including online safety, and know they can report concerns to trusted adults.
To further improve, the school should focus on ensuring that all pupils are consistently challenged to deepen their knowledge, particularly in mathematics. By enhancing the planning of activities that build on prior knowledge, the school can help all pupils reach their full potential. Overall, Bacton Primary School is making significant strides in providing a quality education and fostering a positive learning environment for its pupils.
