Brockholes Church of England Voluntary Controlled Junior and Infant School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils are proud to 'Be bold, go for Gold' in this friendly and inclusive school.They are safe and happy. As a result, they are in school every day.

The school is ambitious for pupils to achieve highly. Pupils achieve extremely well.

Leaders have high expectations for behaviour.

Pupils' behaviour is exceptional in lessons and around school. They value the rewards for their achievements. Pupils know adults care for them.

Bullying is rare. Any concerns are quickly dealt with.

Children in early years get off to an exceptional start.

They show high levels of concentration and enjoyment as they work and play. Every learning activity is p...urposeful. Staff take every opportunity to encourage the development of communication and language.

During the inspection, children confidently took part in the nativity, singing and dancing for their parents.

Pupils have many opportunities to develop their interests in a variety of clubs and activities, such as football, multi-sports and outdoor adventurous activities. Pupils enjoy the different clubs for art, the book club, dance and choir.

A series of local trips and residentials provide new experiences.

What does the school do well and what does it need to do better?

From early years and throughout the school, staff have developed a broad and ambitious curriculum. It is very well sequenced, so that pupils' knowledge is secure and builds highly effectively over time.

Pupils know and remember in great depth across the curriculum. They are proficient in making links in their learning. Pupils' standard of work is impressive, including pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).

Teachers receive training to adapt learning to ensure pupils with SEND learn alongside their peers. Pupils make strong progress and achieve highly.

Teachers have strong subject knowledge across the curriculum.

They plan learning to create interest and curiosity in pupils. Teachers use questions very skilfully to check pupils' learning. They identify misconceptions and rectify them quickly.

Teachers use assessments to check pupils retain important information. Pupils articulate their understanding with confidence. They show excitement about their learning and are keen to show what they can do.

The school has invested in making reading a high priority. The promotion of reading ensures pupils strive to read widely and often. All staff receive regular training, so that they know how to teach pupils to read.

Children begin to learn phonics when they start in Reception. Staff model the pure sounds and pupils copy them with accuracy. Any pupils who fall behind get the support they need to catch up quickly.

This includes pupils with SEND. Pupils practise their reading using books matched to their ability. As a consequence, pupils are quick to develop their confidence and fluency as readers.

Children in early years learn with enthusiasm. Adults have taken account of children's interests and plan exciting activities. Children develop strong knowledge in all areas of learning.

For example, in mathematics children are proficient in subitising and often go beyond numbers they should know. The well-established routines help children to feel secure about their learning. Their behaviour is exemplary.

The school involves parents, so they know how their child learns the curriculum. Children have the skills and knowledge they need to access learning in Year 1 with great confidence.

The visits to a variety of places of worship help pupils to understand about different beliefs and cultures.

Pupils know it is important to be respectful and tolerant. They learn how to be safe online. Pupils learn about first aid and how to care for their physical and mental health.

The 'Mental Health Squad' brings together staff, parents, pupils and governors to focus on supporting others.

Pupils relish taking on responsibility and develop their leadership skills as members of the school council, eco committee and worship group. Older pupils become trained 'befrienders' to help their peers.

Older pupils talk with delight about their role as buddies to the younger children. Strong, positive relationships among staff and pupils are evident across the school.

Governors have the skills and knowledge to provide a balance of challenge and support.

They hold leaders effectively to account. Staff are extremely proud to work at the school. Everyone supports one another.

Leaders ensure workload and well-being are high priority. Staff feel valued.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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