Brimrod Community Primary School in Rochdale, Lancashire, has been inspected and continues to be rated as a good school. The inspection, conducted on July 16 and 17, 2024, revealed that while the overall judgment remains unchanged, there are indications that a graded inspection might yield a lower rating. The next inspection will be a graded one.
The school is characterized by a warm and welcoming environment where children quickly settle in and form friendships. Pupils demonstrate respect for one another and their teachers, fostering positive relationships. They appreciate the support provided by staff, including the use of ‘worry boxes’ for reporting concerns. The school promotes good behavior through a reward system, encouraging pupils to earn points for prizes.
Brimrod Community Primary School is committed to academic excellence for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. While many pupils progress well in certain subjects, there are areas where learning could be improved. Leadership roles are available for pupils, who take pride in their responsibilities, such as being digital leaders or part of the eco-committee. They actively engage in initiatives that promote well-being, such as distributing toothbrushes to encourage dental hygiene.
The school places a strong emphasis on developing a love for reading. Cozy reading areas and a phonics program help foster communication and language skills from an early age. Although most early readers effectively use phonics to tackle unfamiliar texts, support for struggling readers needs enhancement to ensure they become confident and fluent. The school has made efforts to improve attendance, but some pupils still miss school frequently, impacting their learning.
Older pupils express enthusiasm for the well-stocked library and participate in reading challenges, which further motivates them to read. The curriculum is designed to meet national standards, with some subjects effectively building on prior knowledge. However, in certain areas, the curriculum lacks clarity, hindering pupils' ability to connect knowledge and develop skills. Assessment practices also need refinement to better gauge pupils' understanding and retention of material.
The school collaborates effectively with parents, carers, and external agencies to identify and support pupils with special educational needs. Most of these pupils learn alongside their peers and are active participants in school life. The school prioritizes the well-being and mental health of its pupils, providing guidance for those who struggle with behavior expectations.
Despite the school's efforts to improve attendance, some pupils still do not attend regularly or arrive on time, which affects their learning. The school promotes personal development through a well-structured program that emphasizes fundamental British values and cultural awareness. Pupils enjoy learning about different cultures and participate in various activities, including music lessons and school trips.
Governors possess a diverse skill set and are knowledgeable about certain areas of school improvement, such as attendance and phonics. However, they need to enhance their oversight in other subjects. Staff appreciate the leadership's efforts to reduce workload and promote well-being through initiatives like well-being breakfasts.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. The inspection highlighted areas for improvement, particularly in supporting struggling readers and enhancing attendance. The school is encouraged to refine its curriculum design and assessment practices to better support all pupils in their learning journey.
