The Holy Brook School

Overview

This ungraded inspection found that "aspects of the school’s work may not be as strong as at the time of the previous inspection," leading to a future graded inspection. While new leadership has rapidly improved behaviour and created a "safe, nurturing environment," academic standards have declined due to prior instability and a curriculum that lacks sufficient ambition and coherence.

Strengths

• Most pupils "enjoy coming to school" and appreciate the "caring and supportive culture" where staff understand their individual needs.
• New systems have resulted in a "dramatic reduction in behavioural incidents" and improved attendance.
• Pupils benefit from enrichment activities and PSHE education that help them develop social skills, independence, and emotional regulation.
• Staff feel "very well supported" regarding workload and well-being, with governors acting quickly to provide additional support.

Areas to improve

• The curriculum in core subjects is not "sufficiently ambitious," with too much focus on engagement rather than intended content.
• Learning activities do not consistently build on prior knowledge, creating gaps; staff need expertise to deliver the curriculum "in a more coherent and systematic way," particularly in mathematics and phonics.

Safeguarding

The report states that "the arrangements for safeguarding are effective."