Bardwell Primary School told it 'requires improvement' following Ofsted inspection

Inspectors found a village school ‘requires improvement’ following an inspection last month.

Bardwell Primary School received the Ofsted rating after it was found leaders had not ensured the quality of education was good, with mathematics, writing, grammar, punctuation and spelling outcomes too low.

In addition, teachers’ expectations were too low, the curriculum was not broad and balanced, not enough checks were made on teaching quality, disruptive behaviour was an issue and attendance was below average.

However, inspectors found strengths in several areas, in particular reading, art, music and drama.

Claire Dunnell Paley, headteacher, said: "Prior to inspection the school had identified areas that needed to improve and had already begun working on these – this was praised by the inspector.

"We are also delighted they commended us for pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development and observed that our pupils are kind and respectful and care for each other."

Andrew Berry, principal of the Tilian Partnership Multi Academy Trust, which has run the school since 2016, said work had already been undertaken in priority areas.

“The inspection report clearly identifies the strengths of the school and noted particularly that the trust, school leaders and governors had a thorough and accurate knowledge of the school and were implementing appropriate actions for improvement.

“The trust continues to support Bardwell,” he said.

• Read the report here: https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/21/143056