The Mary Bassett Lower School

Overview

The report describes a school where pupils are "engaged, focused, and well behaved," enjoying their time with friends and learning. Leaders have implemented a "new ambitious curriculum" that is "carefully organised" to build on previous knowledge, resulting in improving achievements. The early years provision is highlighted as "exceptionally well prepared," ensuring children leave Reception "very well prepared for learning in Year 1."

Strengths

• The early years provision is "Outstanding," with staff using strong knowledge to choose activities that "build highly effectively" on what children already know.
• Pupils are "respectful of each other" and work to resolve friendship issues sensibly, supported by clear routines and "high expectations" from staff.
• Phonics is taught effectively, with pupils reading books "well matched to their phonics knowledge," helping many develop into "confident, fluent and regular readers."
• Staff well-being and workload remain "at the forefront of leaders’ minds," with staff feeling "well supported in all aspects of their work."
• Clear processes identify pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), enabling them to access the curriculum with appropriate support.

Areas to improve

• Staff lack "detailed subject knowledge of some topics," preventing them from teaching content in the required detail or checking pupils’ understanding accurately.
• Pupils have "limited opportunities to take on responsibilities," which restricts their ability to contribute to the school community and further their personal development.

Safeguarding

The report states that "the arrangements for safeguarding are effective."