Brunton First School

Overview

Brunton First School has taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at the previous inspection. The school is described as "nurturing and welcoming" with an "inclusive culture" that prioritises character development and pupil well-being. Pupils achieve well, particularly in reading and mathematics, and benefit from an ambitious curriculum and superb cultural activities.

Strengths

• The curriculum in core subjects like reading and mathematics is "well sequenced and highly effective," leading to high pupil confidence and achievement.
• The school is "highly inclusive" in supporting pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), ensuring they access the curriculum effectively.
• Early reading is a strong priority, with children becoming "confident and fluent readers" quickly through ongoing staff training and timely support.
• Behaviour is "excellent," with pupils reflecting on their emotions and demonstrating kindness, while attendance systems effectively address the small minority who are absent.
• Character development is a key strength, with pupils engaging in a wide range of extra-curricular clubs, leadership roles, and community projects.

Areas to improve

• In some foundation subjects, the curriculum lacks sufficient focus on key knowledge and vocabulary, meaning pupils do not retain essential information for their next stage of learning.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.