Brierley Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, was inspected on June 4 and 5, 2024. The school has been rated as good across all areas, including overall effectiveness, quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. This inspection marks the first routine evaluation since the school was last graded as outstanding in 2013. The long gap between inspections was due to the school being exempt from routine inspections until November 2020.
The school is characterized by high expectations for its pupils, who respond positively by demonstrating politeness and good manners. The warm and welcoming atmosphere fosters positive relationships among pupils and between pupils and staff. The curriculum is ambitious and engaging, encouraging pupils to take on leadership roles and responsibilities. Older pupils enjoy mentoring younger students, and subject ambassadors actively promote their areas of study.
Pupils feel empowered to express their views and have taken initiatives, such as advocating for safer road crossings near the school. The early years provision is particularly strong, with children developing independence through activities like making their own toast and engaging in cooperative play. The school effectively identifies and supports pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they learn alongside their peers.
Academic achievement is commendable, with pupils performing well in reading, writing, and mathematics. By the end of Year 6, students are well-prepared for secondary education. The school has prioritized the teaching of reading, with daily phonics sessions led by well-trained staff. Routines are established to support early learners, and additional help is provided for those at risk of falling behind.
Recent developments in the curriculum for foundation subjects like geography and history have been implemented, with a focus on logical progression in knowledge and skills. However, leaders acknowledge the need for ongoing refinement to ensure all pupils retain and understand what they learn. The behaviour policy is clear, and pupils generally exhibit calm and considerate behaviour throughout the school.
The personal, social, and health education curriculum is well-planned, covering essential topics. However, there are gaps in pupils' knowledge regarding different faiths, which could hinder their understanding of the diverse community they will encounter. The school is encouraged to enhance its curriculum to include essential knowledge about various world religions.
While the school has made strides in communication with parents, some parents feel less informed about school life. Improving communication strategies is necessary to ensure all parents feel engaged. The governing body is committed to supporting the school, and staff report feeling well-supported and proud to work there. Leaders regularly reflect on their practices and make strategic decisions to foster continuous improvement.
The safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. Overall, Brierley Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School demonstrates a strong commitment to providing a quality education and fostering a supportive community for its pupils. The school is well-positioned to build on its successes and address areas for improvement, particularly in enhancing pupils' understanding of diverse faiths and refining communication with parents.
