Cinnamon Brow CofE Primary School in Warrington, Cheshire, underwent an inspection on September 21 and 22, 2021, and received an overall effectiveness rating of good. The school has made significant improvements since its previous inspection, which rated it as requiring improvement. The quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision were all rated as good.
Pupils at Cinnamon Brow are happy and enjoy their time at school. They settle quickly and learn effectively due to the knowledgeable and supportive staff. The school fosters a positive learning environment where pupils are encouraged to achieve well and gain valuable knowledge across various subjects. The curriculum is enhanced by a range of extracurricular activities, including choir and team-building exercises, which help pupils develop new skills.
The behavior of pupils is commendable, with most demonstrating thoughtful and sensible conduct in various settings. The school promotes a culture of responsibility, where pupils understand the importance of their actions and are encouraged to resolve disagreements amicably. Staff are attentive to pupils' concerns, ensuring a safe environment where bullying is addressed effectively.
Senior leaders possess a thorough understanding of the school and are ambitious in their goals. They ensure that staff are well-informed about the curriculum and utilize current research to enhance teaching practices. Subject leaders are knowledgeable and passionate, providing support to their colleagues. The curriculum is logically structured, with careful planning to ensure that pupils acquire essential knowledge and skills.
Pupils demonstrate confidence and fluency in reading, with a strong emphasis placed on developing reading skills from an early age. Staff provide targeted support for less skilled readers, ensuring that all pupils have the opportunity to improve their reading abilities. The school also prioritizes the development of speaking and listening skills, although some older pupils may struggle to articulate their thoughts as effectively as they should.
Pupils generally exhibit positive attitudes towards learning and take pride in maintaining their school environment. Attendance is good, and low-level disruptions are minimal, allowing staff to deliver the curriculum effectively. Leaders support staff in managing behavior, ensuring that pupils feel settled and ready to learn.
The school is committed to providing a broad range of experiences beyond the standard curriculum. Special events and celebration days are organized to promote awareness of important social issues, such as mental health and equality. Pupils learn about different cultures and beliefs, fostering respect and understanding within the school community.
Safeguarding measures are effective, with staff trained to recognize and respond to potential risks. Leaders ensure that pupils are educated about safety, including the dangers of social media misuse.
To further improve, the school should focus on enhancing older pupils' speaking skills to ensure they can express their thoughts and opinions clearly. Additionally, there is a need to strengthen the connections between indoor and outdoor learning to enrich pupils' subject knowledge. Overall, Cinnamon Brow CofE Primary School is a thriving educational institution that provides a supportive and enriching environment for its pupils.
