Bessacarr Primary School, located in Doncaster, South Yorkshire, has recently undergone an inspection that highlighted its overall effectiveness as good. The inspection took place on the 29th and 30th of March 2023, and the school has maintained its good rating since the previous inspection. The school is part of the Empowering Minds Academy Trust and caters to pupils aged three to eleven, with a current enrollment of 463 students.
The school is praised for its warm and welcoming environment, where leaders and staff foster a strong sense of community. Pupils exhibit a clear understanding of the school’s core values, which include collaboration, effort, resilience, independence, respect, and pride. These values are integrated into daily school life, contributing to a positive atmosphere. Parents and carers express high levels of satisfaction with both the academic offerings and the pastoral care provided, with many highlighting the school’s commitment to nurturing its students.
Bessacarr Primary offers a broad and balanced curriculum, with leaders setting high expectations for all pupils. The curriculum is well-structured, building on prior learning and focusing on essential knowledge and skills at each stage. Relationships between staff and pupils are characterized by respect and positivity, creating an environment conducive to learning. Pupils are aware of the behavior expectations and understand their importance in maintaining a safe and supportive learning environment. Reports of bullying are rare, and pupils feel confident that any issues will be addressed promptly by staff.
The school excels in the teaching of early reading, with a comprehensive phonics and reading program in place. Staff are well-trained to deliver this program effectively, enabling pupils to develop reading fluency quickly. The selection of reading materials reflects a diverse range of characters and authors, promoting inclusivity. Older pupils take on roles as reading ambassadors, supporting younger students and fostering a love for reading.
Since the last inspection, the school has made significant improvements to its curriculum, particularly in mathematics, which is designed to be ambitious for all pupils, including those with special educational needs. Teachers tailor their instruction to meet individual learning needs, encouraging all pupils to challenge themselves. The curriculum is sequenced effectively in many subjects, allowing pupils to build on their knowledge progressively. However, there are areas where this sequencing could be strengthened, particularly in some subjects where connections between early years learning and later stages are less clear.
Leaders are committed to the holistic development of pupils, ensuring they are well-prepared for life in modern Britain. Pupils learn about the importance of fairness and respect for diversity, engaging with a variety of inspirational figures from different backgrounds. The school provides ample opportunities for pupils to understand healthy relationships and well-being, starting from the early years.
The school promotes fundamental British values and encourages pupils to participate in democratic processes through roles such as school councillors. The religious education curriculum exposes pupils to various faiths and cultures, fostering an understanding of diversity. In the early years, children benefit from nurturing relationships with staff, developing independence and resilience through well-planned activities.
While the school demonstrates many strengths, there are areas for improvement. Some subject leaders need to better align their curriculum planning with early years learning to ensure a systematic progression of knowledge across all subjects. Additionally, certain aspects of the early years curriculum require refinement to clearly identify the knowledge children should acquire, ensuring that learning environments effectively support their development.
The arrangements for safeguarding at Bessacarr Primary are effective, with pupils feeling safe and knowing they can approach trusted adults with concerns. Staff receive regular training on safeguarding issues, and there is a robust system for recording and addressing concerns.
Overall, Bessacarr Primary School is a well-regarded institution that provides a supportive and enriching environment for its pupils. The commitment of leaders and staff to the well-being and academic progress of students is evident, contributing to the school’s positive reputation within the community.
