Brackenbury Primary School

Overview

Leaders’ determined efforts have “transformed” this school, resulting in “dramatic improvement” since the previous inspection. Pupils are “proud, brave and determined,” thriving in an inclusive environment where they “live up to teachers’ high aspirations for achievement.” The school fosters strong relationships, with pupils describing their days as “super fun” and demonstrating a clear understanding of behaviour expectations.

Strengths

• An “ambitious curriculum” places reading at its heart, with skilled staff providing extra support to ensure children develop strong skills and independence.
• Teachers are “experts at teaching English and mathematics,” helping pupils develop “number fluency” and confidence in basic skills through plenty of practice.
• The broader curriculum “engages pupils’ enthusiasm,” with foundation subjects like art and history being “thoughtfully planned” to achieve high standards.
• Pupils demonstrate strong personal development, showing a “strong sense of right and wrong” and actively engaging with issues such as racism and plastic waste.
• Governors make effective checks on the quality of work by asking “searching questions” and reflecting on how provision can be improved.

Areas to improve

• In a small number of foundation subjects, curricular aims have not resulted in “coherent planning for Years 1 to 6,” meaning pupils are not learning all they need to know.
• The curriculum in a few foundation subjects does not provide enough opportunities for pupils to “use and embed their knowledge.”
• Some key stage 2 pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) do not have writing tasks that meet their needs, hindering their fluency and independence.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are “effective,” with robust recruitment systems and well-trained staff who identify and report concerns swiftly.