A primary school in North Somerset which was described by inspectors as a “happy school” has been rated as ‘Good’. Sandford Primary School, in Sandford, was inspected on June 19 and June 20 by Ofsted in its first inspection since becoming an academy in December 2021.
The primary school, located east of Weston-super-Mare, was praised for making pupils feel “safe and nurtured”. The educational provider, which provides learning for 150 pupils aged between four and 11, has a “broad and ambitious” curriculum which all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), are able to learn.
Pupils enjoy learning and behave well at the school. Inspectors found that pupils understand the expectations which staff have for them and are able to listen respectfully to one another.
The report said: “Pupils mix well across the ages. This is encouraged through the crew system and buddies that intentionally strengthen pupils’ ability to support one another and take responsibility.
“Positive relationships are at the heart of this happy school. Pupils feel safe and nurtured. They enjoy learning and are motivated by the rewards for showing their ‘learning powers’.”
Enrichment opportunities at the school are “well-considered” for pupils of all ages and spans all areas of the curriculum. For example, there are overnight camps for older pupils, and history visits to Bristol helps deepen understanding.
Teachers make a range of adaptations in order to enable pupils with SEND to learn well across the “broad and ambitious” curriculum. It has been designed over a two-year rolling programme, meaning that pupils build cumulative knowledge over time by building on key concepts.
The report said: “The implementation of a well-sequenced phonics programme ensures pupils at the early stages of reading learn well. Most pupils keep up with the programme and those that need additional support have regular specific intervention.
“Leaders quickly responded to a dip in key stage two reading outcomes. They designed a reading curriculum that pupils enjoy and learn well from. Pupils are knowledgeable about the different types of reading skills and can apply these to a range of texts.”
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Ofsted praised staff at Sandford Primary for having secure subject knowledge. Staff are able to identify gaps in learning effectively resulting in misconceptions being picked up on a frequent basis.
The report added: “The school is developing an agreed approach to teaching the curriculum. Teaching uses a range of strategies to implement the curriculum, but some strategies are more effective than others.
“This means that pupils learn better in some areas of the curriculum than in other subjects. There is further work to do to ensure that the school embeds these teaching strategies across classes and the curriculum.”
The school’s work on promoting inclusion is a “strength” as pupils learn about different disabilities and needs. Pupils also understand discrimination and know why some people may experience it.
Staff are well supported by the leadership team. The report said: “Staff have received training to manage behaviour well. The school ensures that effective strategies are in place for those pupils who find self-control or engagement more difficult.
“Governors, along with trustees, fulfil their statutory duties well. Local governance has developed since the school joined the trust. Clear structures for reporting and information sharing help governors, trustees and executive leaders to have an accurate picture of the school’s strengths and areas for development.”
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