Balfour Primary School, located in Brighton, East Sussex, has recently undergone an inspection from December 6 to December 7, 2023. The overall effectiveness of the school has been rated as good, reflecting significant improvements since the previous inspection, which had rated it as requiring improvement. The school has demonstrated strengths across various areas, including the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision, all of which have also been rated as good.
Pupils at Balfour Primary School exhibit happiness and engagement within an inclusive and vibrant environment. They embody the school’s values of being reflective, respectful, responsible, and resilient. Students actively participate in school life, taking on roles such as running clubs, serving as play leaders, and being part of the pupil parliament. These roles are approached with enthusiasm, contributing to a positive school culture. The relationships among pupils and between pupils and adults are warm and supportive, fostering a sense of safety and belonging. Adults are readily available to address any issues, ensuring that pupils feel secure.
The school has high expectations for pupil engagement and effort, and students respond positively to these expectations. They find the learning experiences enjoyable and stimulating, which encourages them to work hard. Collaborative learning is emphasized, with pupils working well together in pairs and small groups, respecting each other's opinions and building confidence through shared ideas. The school encourages pupils to be active citizens, participating in local events and initiatives that celebrate their talents and interests. A notable feature of the school is its nature school provision, which allows pupils to explore and enjoy the outdoors, starting from early years.
The curriculum at Balfour Primary School is ambitious and designed to develop pupils' knowledge progressively from Reception to Year 6. It is carefully structured to prepare students for subsequent educational stages, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. The school ensures that these pupils receive tailored support to access the same enriching curriculum. Staff members benefit from high-quality training that enhances their teaching practices, although there is recognition that consistency in teaching across the school needs further improvement. Plans are in place to provide ongoing support to staff to help all pupils achieve their potential.
Reading is a priority at Balfour Primary School, with a strong emphasis on phonics from early years. Regular phonics sessions help children develop their reading skills effectively, and assessments are conducted to identify and support pupils who may struggle. Pupils express enjoyment in reading and studying various stories and poems, and they appreciate the school’s library as a space that encourages relaxation and enjoyment of books. The focus on communication and vocabulary development is evident in early years and continues throughout the curriculum, ensuring that pupils are articulate and confident in expressing their thoughts.
Behavior at the school is well-managed, with clear expectations outlined in the behavior policy. Pupils are motivated by rewards and the positive culture of kindness and respect. Those who face challenges in managing their behavior receive appropriate support, allowing them to integrate successfully into school life. Attendance is monitored closely, with high expectations set for pupil attendance.
Pupils demonstrate a strong understanding of equality and diversity, valuing respect for differences. They appreciate the well-being support available from adults in the school, highlighting the importance of having trusted adults to discuss their emotions. The governing body is knowledgeable and supportive, sharing the ambition of school leaders to ensure the best outcomes for all pupils, particularly those who are disadvantaged.
Parents express overwhelming positivity about the school, valuing the support provided during their children's transition to school. They describe Balfour Primary as a kind environment where their children thrive. The school has made significant strides in its development, and while there are areas for improvement, particularly in ensuring that lesson activities align with pupils' existing knowledge, the overall outlook is promising. The school is committed to continuing its journey of improvement and excellence in education.
