Broughton Moor Primary School, located in Maryport, Cumbria, underwent an inspection on November 14 and 15, 2023. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as requiring improvement, with specific areas such as the quality of education and leadership and management also receiving a similar rating. However, the school demonstrated good performance in behavior and attitudes, personal development, and early years provision.
Pupils at Broughton Moor Primary School express enjoyment in attending, highlighting strong relationships with staff who are attentive and supportive. The school fosters an environment where pupils feel valued and cared for, contributing to their happiness and well-being. The students are described as friendly, polite, and respectful towards one another and their teachers. They exhibit good behavior and actively work to ensure that everyone feels welcome. The school promotes empathy and understanding of diversity among pupils.
The enthusiasm for learning is evident among pupils, including those in the early years, who eagerly discuss their lessons and experiences from school trips. The school has established high expectations for pupil achievement, and early years children are reported to start their education positively. However, there are concerns regarding the achievement of pupils in other parts of the school, particularly those with special educational needs and disabilities. These pupils do not perform as well as they should in certain subjects, leading to significant gaps in their knowledge.
The school offers a broad curriculum that is well-structured from early years through to Year 6, identifying key knowledge for pupils to learn. Despite this, staffing changes have created challenges in delivering the curriculum effectively. Some staff members have not received adequate support, resulting in gaps and misconceptions in pupils' learning that have not been consistently addressed. In contrast, early years children have benefited from a more stable environment, allowing them to acquire necessary knowledge for their next educational stage.
The school is proactive in identifying the additional needs of pupils, ensuring that those with special educational needs learn alongside their peers. However, some staff feel they lack sufficient information and support to meet these needs effectively. The school is aware of this issue and is taking steps to provide better support for staff.
Reading is a priority at Broughton Moor Primary School, with initiatives in place to encourage a love of reading among pupils. A new phonics curriculum has been established to help pupils learn essential sounds and letters, with additional support provided for those who fall behind.
Pupils generally meet the high expectations set for their behavior, demonstrating calmness and consideration for others. The school offers a broad curriculum that supports personal development, including opportunities for pupils to engage with local businesses and create products for sale, fostering industriousness and preparing them for future endeavors.
Despite the positive aspects, the school has faced challenges due to recent staffing and governance changes, which have affected its effectiveness. Governors have not held the school sufficiently accountable for the quality of education, contributing to weaknesses in the curriculum. Additionally, the school has struggled to engage effectively with some staff and parents, leading to a lack of collaboration in the best interests of pupils. The school is working to improve communication and responsiveness to stakeholder concerns.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are deemed effective, ensuring the safety and well-being of all pupils. Overall, while Broughton Moor Primary School has strengths in various areas, it faces significant challenges that need to be addressed to enhance the quality of education and support for all pupils.
