The Duke of Bedford Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school The actions that the headteacher, other senior leaders and governors have taken have led to good improvements in outcomes in the past year.

Recent developments have been based on a good understanding of the next steps. Leaders have responded well to the recommendations of the previous inspection, including seeking external support to improve teaching. Pupils make good progress in English and mathematics because they are taught well.

Teachers have good subject knowledge in these subjects and make learning fun and engaging. Teachers often plan activities that build on pupils' prior learning, but the levels of challenge are not always enough... to help the most able make good progress. Support for pupils who have special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) is effective.

Their progress is carefully monitored and, as a result, they are thriving. Early years provision is good. Children make good progress in both the pre-school and Reception class.

Adults know the individual needs of children well and plan engaging activities that help them to learn quickly. Pupils' behaviour in lessons and around the school is good. They have good attitudes to learning and enjoy their work.

Pupils work hard and are proud of their school. They do not, however, take enough care to present their work neatly in subjects other than English and mathematics. Pupils know how to stay safe, both in and out of school.

They are well cared for by staff. Pupils develop good skills in physical education and art. In science, history and geography, their work is not of such a consistently high quality.

Topics in these subjects are sometimes studied in too little detail.

Information about this school

This is an average-sized primary school with seven classes. Children in the early years are taught in a Reception class and a pre-school which takes two- to four-year-old children.

Most pupils are from White British backgrounds. The proportion of pupils with SEND is broadly average. The proportion of disadvantaged pupils supported by the pupil premium is broadly average.