Breachwood Green Junior Mixed and Infant School, located in Hitchin, Hertfordshire, has been rated as good in its recent inspection conducted on February 2 and 3, 2022. The school has made significant improvements since its previous inspection, which had rated it as requiring improvement. The overall effectiveness of the school is commendable, with good ratings across various aspects including the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision.
Pupils at the school enjoy their time and feel a strong sense of community. They are encouraged to embody the school’s ethos of striving to be the best they can be. Many students take on additional responsibilities, such as serving as sports ambassadors or school councillors, and they actively support their peers. The school fosters an environment where pupils feel proud of their contributions and achievements, promoting aspirations and encouraging them to think about their impact on the community and the world.
Behavior in the school is positive, with pupils demonstrating good listening skills and engaging well with teachers and each other. They are taught the importance of kindness and caring for one another, which is evident in their interactions during lessons and playtime. The school has a low incidence of bullying, and pupils feel confident that they can seek help if needed. Parents and carers express satisfaction with the school’s nurturing environment and appreciate the communication from the school, especially during the challenges posed by the pandemic.
The curriculum at Breachwood Green is designed to build knowledge across a wide range of subjects, and leaders have carefully considered its structure. Pupils, including those with special educational needs, receive adequate support to access the ambitious curriculum. However, some elements of the curriculum are new, and leaders have yet to fully evaluate their impact on pupil learning and achievement. The teaching of phonics is systematic and effective, allowing pupils to become confident readers from an early age. The school promotes a love of reading, with teachers regularly reading to pupils and providing them with books that match their learning needs.
Staff receive the necessary training and guidance to deliver the curriculum effectively. Teachers assess pupils' abilities and use this information to plan lessons that build on prior knowledge. While some subjects show strong retention of knowledge, there is inconsistency in ensuring that pupils learn and use key vocabulary across all subjects. The early years provision is strong, with caring adults establishing routines that foster a positive learning environment. Children are encouraged to explore their interests and develop foundational skills for future learning.
The school’s leadership, including governors, plays a vital role in its success. Governors are actively involved, providing support and challenge to ensure continuous improvement. Safeguarding measures are effective, with staff trained to recognize and respond to potential risks. Pupils are taught strategies to stay safe, including online safety, and feel comfortable reporting any concerns.
To further improve, the school should evaluate the effectiveness of recent curriculum changes and ensure that vocabulary development is consistently integrated across all subjects. By addressing these areas, Breachwood Green Junior Mixed and Infant School can continue to enhance its educational offerings and support for all pupils.
