Burnley Brow Community School, located in Chadderton, Oldham, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on July 20 and 21, 2023. The school is characterized by a welcoming environment where all pupils feel valued, regardless of their backgrounds or differences. The leadership team demonstrates ambition for all students, particularly those who are at the early stages of learning English as an additional language. Staff members are dedicated to supporting pupils in developing their vocabulary and spoken English, fostering a culture of perseverance in learning. This commitment extends to all students, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, who achieve commendable results.
Pupils exhibit a strong desire to meet the high expectations set by leaders and staff regarding behavior. They treat each other and adults with respect and consideration, often displaying good manners. The supportive atmosphere created by staff ensures that pupils feel heard and valued. In instances of bullying, leaders respond swiftly, contributing to a sense of safety and happiness within the school community. Pupils also appreciate the opportunities to take on responsibilities, such as serving as head boy or head girl, and actively engage in community service, including supporting local food banks and charities. These experiences enhance their understanding of their potential contributions to society.
The school has established an ambitious curriculum that caters to all pupils, including those with special educational needs. Leaders have meticulously identified key knowledge that pupils should acquire, starting from the early years. However, in a few subjects, some teachers do not fully implement the curriculum as intended, which can lead to some pupils not achieving their full potential. Despite this, most subjects benefit from well-trained teachers who effectively check pupils' understanding and provide opportunities for revisiting prior learning. Overall, pupils achieve well across the majority of the curriculum.
In the early years, staff are adept at supporting children's language development, emphasizing phonics and reading confidence. The school ensures that pupils have access to a diverse range of culturally relevant books, which aligns with their phonics learning, fostering a love for reading. Most pupils become fluent readers by the end of key stage one, and those needing additional support catch up by the end of key stage two.
Leaders have implemented effective systems to identify and support pupils with special educational needs, ensuring they are fully included in the curriculum and school life. The early years' children understand school rules and routines, contributing to a focused learning environment with minimal disruptions.
Pupils are well-prepared for life in modern Britain, learning about various faiths and cultures while developing a solid understanding of British values such as democracy. They have opportunities to explore their interests through extracurricular activities, enhancing their personal development.
Governors play a crucial role in supporting and challenging school leaders to improve educational quality. They are mindful of staff workload and well-being, contributing to a positive working environment. Staff express high levels of satisfaction with the support they receive.
The safeguarding arrangements at Burnley Brow Community School are effective, with staff trained to recognize and respond to potential risks. Pupils are educated on online safety and understand the importance of reporting concerns. Overall, the school continues to provide a nurturing and effective educational experience for its pupils, with areas identified for improvement to ensure all students achieve their best.
