Ofsted

Ofsted: a Good school with Outstanding strengths

At Barham Church of England Primary School, we are proud to provide a happy, nurturing and ambitious education in which every child is known, valued and encouraged to flourish.

Our most recent Ofsted inspection took place on 24 and 25 January 2023. Barham was judged to be a Good school overall, with three important areas judged to be Outstanding.

Our inspection judgements

* **Overall effectiveness: Good**

* **Quality of education: Good**

* **Behaviour and attitudes: Outstanding**

* **Personal development: Outstanding**

* **Leadership and management: Outstanding**

* **Early years provision: Good**

Ofsted described Barham as a “welcoming and joyful school” where pupils “achieve well and feel safe.” Inspectors recognised our “deep commitment to every pupil succeeding” and described pupils as “exceptionally respectful and kind.”

What Ofsted recognised at Barham

Exceptional behaviour and a culture of kindness

Ofsted judged behaviour and attitudes to be Outstanding. Inspectors found that pupils are respectful, considerate and kind to one another. Older children support younger pupils as buddies, while staff respond quickly if a child needs help.

This caring and respectful culture reflects our values of being Kind, Confident and Curious. Children learn that everyone belongs, everyone is valued and everyone has a contribution to make.

Outstanding personal development

Personal development was also judged to be Outstanding. Inspectors recognised the rich range of experiences available to Barham pupils, including:

* drama productions, music and dance;

* sport, clubs and competitions;

* educational visits and visitors;

* opportunities to explore different cultures, beliefs, families and opinions;

* leadership roles such as worship leaders and eco-warriors;

* learning about physical and mental health; and

* opportunities for spiritual reflection, awe and wonder.

Ofsted noted that pupils have “exceptional opportunities” to broaden their experiences, discover new talents and develop confidence. These experiences help children leave Barham as mature, responsible and well-rounded young people.

An ambitious and inclusive curriculum

Inspectors recognised Barham’s “ambitious, bespoke curriculum”, carefully planned from Reception to Year 6 so that pupils build their knowledge and understanding in a logical sequence.

Our curriculum is broad, creative and inclusive. Academic learning is enriched through music, art, drama, sport, outdoor learning, visits and memorable experiences. Our ambition is for every child to become a kind, confident and curious learner who is well prepared for secondary school and later life.

Strong support for pupils with SEND

Ofsted recognised that pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities are identified early and supported effectively.

Staff receive appropriate training, resources are adapted carefully and focused plans help pupils with SEND access the same ambitious curriculum as their classmates. Inspectors also highlighted the strong partnership between the school and parents and confirmed that pupils with SEND achieve well.

A strong start in reading

Reading is central to learning at Barham. Ofsted found that reading is taught consistently well and that the early reading curriculum begins as soon as children start school.

Teachers understand how children learn to read, quickly identify anyone who needs extra help and provide effective support. Reading books are carefully matched to the sounds pupils are learning, while stories and rich vocabulary are promoted throughout the curriculum.

Outstanding leadership and governance

Leadership and management were judged to be Outstanding. Inspectors recognised that school leaders and governors are ambitious for every pupil and committed to providing a broad, inclusive and high-quality education.

Governors know the school well and provide effective challenge and support. Leaders invest in staff development and ensure that teaching continues to be informed by educational research and effective practice.

Effective safeguarding

Ofsted confirmed that safeguarding arrangements at Barham are effective.

Staff understand how to identify and report concerns, and leaders respond promptly when a child or family may need additional support. Pupils are taught how to stay safe online and when out in the local community.

Continuing to improve

We are proud of our inspection findings, but we are never complacent. The report identified one area for further development: making the most effective use of assessment so that pupils retain important learning, particularly multiplication facts and spellings.

We welcome this constructive challenge and use inspection findings, assessment information and our own evaluation to continue strengthening teaching and learning.

Read the report and share your views

* Download our January 2023 Ofsted inspection report

* View Barham’s official Ofsted page and previous reports

* Share your views through Ofsted Parent View

We are delighted that Ofsted recognised so many of the qualities that make Barham special. The best way to experience our welcoming school, however, is to visit us, meet our children and staff and see our values of being Kind, Confident and Curious brought to life.