The Branch Christian School

Overview: The Branch Christian School is a small, friendly and welcoming school with a strong Christian ethos. Pupils enjoy coming to school, feel safe and well looked after, and are confident in their ability to learn and progress.

Strengths:

• Pupils and staff treat each other with genuine warmth and mutual respect.
• The Christian ethos pervades all aspects of the school, promoting a nurturing environment.
• Pupils enjoy learning independently and progressing through the Accelerated Christian Education (ACE) curriculum.
• Staff use assessment to match the curriculum to the needs of each pupil, and pupils progress through the curriculum in a way that suits them.
• Pupils develop strong, trusting relationships with staff and learn about equality and diversity.

Areas to improve:

• There are inconsistencies in the design and implementation of some aspects of the curriculum, which can lead to missed opportunities for pupils to practise, connect and apply their learning.
• Learning in the wider subjects does not always link well to the subjects in the ACE curriculum, making it difficult for pupils to apply their knowledge as skills in different contexts.

Safeguarding: The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with staff being appropriately trained and vigilant, and pupils trusting adults working in school to help them.