West Ewell Primary School and Nursery, located in Epsom, Surrey, has recently undergone an inspection by Ofsted, which took place on April 30 and May 1, 2024. The school has been rated as good overall, with outstanding ratings in behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and early years provision. The leadership and management, as well as the quality of education, have also been rated as good. The headteacher, Mia Bennett, leads the school, which is part of the Bourne Education Trust, overseen by CEO Alex Russell and a board of trustees chaired by Andy Field.
The inspection marks the first routine evaluation of the school since it became an academy, following a period of exemption from routine inspections. The report reflects the current inspection framework and considers any changes since the last graded inspection of the predecessor school. The school has a clear set of values that pupils understand and strive to embody, including respect, resilience, reflection, responsibility, and resourcefulness. This is evident in their excellent conduct and positive attitudes towards learning, contributing to a happy and safe school environment.
Teachers at West Ewell Primary have high expectations for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The staff design engaging activities tailored to individual needs, ensuring that all pupils achieve well. The integration of SEND pupils into mainstream classes is seamless, and they participate actively in lessons. The early years provision is particularly strong, with children demonstrating exceptional concentration levels.
Pupils are taught to manage their emotions and understand the importance of physical and mental health. The school provides high-quality pastoral support, ensuring that pupils feel well cared for. Leaders are knowledgeable about their pupils and use this information to create a well-structured curriculum that meets diverse needs. The curriculum emphasizes the development of important skills and knowledge, including vocabulary, and revisits prior learning to deepen understanding.
While the school has made significant strides in many areas, there are still challenges to address. Although pupils produce high-quality work, last year's national test results in writing and mathematics were not satisfactory. Leaders are aware of this and have made curriculum adjustments, but opportunities for writing development across subjects need improvement. The school has prioritized reading, with well-trained staff delivering phonics instruction effectively, enabling most pupils to become confident readers quickly.
The school environment is calm and purposeful, with pupils demonstrating courtesy and respect. Attendance is improving due to leaders' detailed monitoring and support strategies. The provision for personal development is exceptional, with pupils showing a mature understanding of diversity and engaging in thoughtful discussions. Opportunities for pupils to take on responsibilities and participate in extracurricular activities are abundant, fostering a sense of community and belonging.
Trustees and governors effectively hold the school accountable, working collaboratively with leaders to drive improvements. Staff express positive sentiments about their workload management and the impact of high-quality training. Parental support for the school is strong, contributing to a positive school culture.
The safeguarding arrangements at West Ewell Primary are effective, ensuring the safety and well-being of all pupils. The inspection team conducted a thorough evaluation, including discussions with leaders, staff, and pupils, to assess the overall effectiveness of the school's educational provision. The report highlights the school's strengths while also identifying areas for further development, particularly in enhancing writing opportunities across the curriculum.
