Barleyhurst Park Primary School, located in Bletchley, Milton Keynes, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on May 21 and 22, 2024. The school is characterized by a warm and welcoming environment where pupils thrive and feel proud to attend. Students express their appreciation for the support they receive from staff, with one pupil noting that they learn something new every day. The atmosphere within the school is calm and purposeful, fostering a sense of safety and well-being among the pupils. They are polite, considerate, and well-behaved, enjoying their time together during play and sharing resources.
The school has high expectations for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Teachers engage students through motivating and inspiring lessons, which contribute to a keen interest in learning. The curriculum is ambitious and enriched with various events, such as visits to a safari park and participation in water sports, which help pupils develop practical skills and a sense of community through charity work. These experiences contribute to the development of well-rounded individuals who are prepared for their roles as citizens.
Barleyhurst Park Primary excels in providing a supportive environment for early years education, ensuring that children get off to a strong start. The staff's secure subject knowledge allows them to model learning effectively and select appropriate activities that enhance pupils' understanding. For instance, early years children engage in meaningful discussions about number patterns, while older pupils apply their knowledge of geography to understand climatic differences.
Pupils are motivated to participate in lessons and have opportunities to revisit essential knowledge, which helps them connect their learning. Staff routinely check pupils' understanding, allowing for timely adjustments to meet their needs. While the school is refining its curriculum in some subjects, it has successfully identified and addressed the additional needs of pupils, ensuring that those with SEND can access the full curriculum.
Reading is a key priority at Barleyhurst Park, with a consistent approach to phonics teaching that encourages pupils to develop a love for reading. The school provides a range of activities to engage pupils' literary interests, including visits to the local library and collaborative reading sessions between older and younger students. Those needing extra support with reading are quickly identified and receive appropriate assistance to help them catch up.
Beyond academics, the school emphasizes the importance of good citizenship and teaches British values as part of the curriculum. Pupils learn to respect diverse views and beliefs, understand safety in various contexts, and develop healthy relationships. Leadership roles and extracurricular clubs further nurture their talents and interests.
The leadership team and governors possess a clear understanding of the school's strengths and areas for development. There is a strong commitment to enhancing pupils' education and well-being, and staff feel valued and supported, which positively impacts their teaching effectiveness. The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils.
To improve further, the school needs to clarify the essential knowledge that pupils should learn in some foundation subjects. This will help deepen their subject-specific knowledge over time. The school is encouraged to monitor the impact of these changes on pupils' learning to ensure continued progress.
Overall, Barleyhurst Park Primary School continues to provide a good education, characterized by a supportive atmosphere, high expectations, and a commitment to the holistic development of its pupils. The school is well-positioned to build on its strengths and address areas for improvement, ensuring that all students receive the best possible education.
