Brady Primary School, located in Rainham, Essex, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on April 27 and 28, 2022. The school fosters a happy and caring community where pupils, staff, and parents feel like part of a large family. The leadership team, including governors, has clear objectives aimed at nurturing respectful and caring young citizens. The school emphasizes values such as dedication, inspiration, respect, and achievement, which are integrated into daily activities. Pupils express enjoyment in attending school, and there is a strong culture of high expectations regarding behavior and academic effort.
The school is particularly ambitious for all students, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Teachers set challenging tasks that engage pupils, leading to a productive learning environment where poor behavior is not a disruption. The school prioritizes safety, with rare instances of bullying that are addressed promptly and effectively.
Brady Primary School offers a variety of extracurricular activities, clubs, and guest speakers to broaden pupils' experiences and interests. The pupil parliament provides opportunities for students to contribute to the school community, enhancing their sense of belonging and responsibility.
The curriculum is broad and balanced, reflecting the school's ambition for all pupils. Leaders have developed a well-structured curriculum that is sequenced logically, allowing for effective learning. Adjustments have been made to address learning gaps caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring that pupils can catch up on missed content. Leaders focus on essential knowledge and skills, providing staff with training and resources to support effective teaching. However, some teachers in a few subjects lack confidence in their subject knowledge, which can impact the delivery of the curriculum and student achievement.
Reading is a significant focus at Brady Primary School, with a robust program in place. Staff are well-trained to deliver phonics instruction consistently from Nursery through to Year 2, enabling pupils to develop strong reading skills. The school provides a diverse range of texts that engage students and foster a love for reading. Support is available for those who struggle, ensuring that all pupils can read confidently and fluently.
In mathematics, teachers employ a step-by-step approach to introduce new concepts, reinforcing prior knowledge through regular practice. Early years teachers establish clear routines that build confidence and enthusiasm for learning, ensuring a smooth transition into later years.
Leaders are proactive in identifying pupils who may need additional support, including those with special educational needs. They collaborate with external agencies to provide necessary assistance and regularly review the curriculum to ensure it meets the needs of all students.
The school also emphasizes the importance of pupils' wider development through educational visits and participation in various activities. This approach aims to cultivate character and prepare students for life in modern Britain. Senior leaders continuously assess the school's strengths and areas for improvement, implementing appropriate actions to enhance the educational experience.
The safeguarding arrangements at Brady Primary School are effective, with a strong focus on pupil well-being and safety. Staff receive regular training and are vigilant in addressing any concerns. The curriculum includes lessons on safety, including online safety and healthy relationships.
While the school has many strengths, there are areas for improvement, particularly in ensuring that all teachers possess strong subject knowledge across the curriculum. Leaders are encouraged to support teachers in deepening their expertise to enhance the overall quality of education.
