Brough Primary School, located on Springfield Avenue in Brough, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection from January 30 to 31, 2024. The school fosters an environment built on respect and kindness, where warm and caring relationships between adults and pupils are evident. Students express feelings of safety and trust, indicating a strong sense of community. Older pupils take on leadership roles, helping younger students during lunchtime, which promotes a culture of support and cooperation. The school emphasizes understanding and respecting diversity, teaching pupils about different groups in society.
Leadership at Brough Primary School is ambitious, particularly in supporting pupils with complex special educational needs and disabilities through a dedicated program known as The Bridge. This initiative provides tailored support, helping these pupils manage their emotions and engage more effectively in their learning. The enthusiasm for learning is palpable among pupils, who approach their work with eagerness and pride. Consistent behavior management by adults contributes to a calm and ordered school environment, which is crucial for pupils' sense of safety. Leaders are vigilant regarding bullying, ensuring that any incidents are addressed promptly.
Recent efforts to enhance the curriculum are beginning to yield positive results, allowing pupils to build knowledge over time. For instance, Year 2 pupils can confidently discuss historical events like The Great Fire of London, linking past learning to current studies. Subject leaders are actively evaluating how early years education prepares children for future learning, although some checks on pupil progress in certain subjects could be more focused.
The school has effective systems for identifying pupils with special educational needs, ensuring they have access to the same curriculum as their peers. Support is provided to foster resilience and independence in learning. However, while leaders have implemented measures to monitor attendance, the evaluation of these actions could be improved to better inform future strategies.
Brough Primary School places a strong emphasis on developing fluent readers. The phonics curriculum is introduced in Reception, with staff receiving regular training to enhance their delivery of the program. Pupils are given ample opportunities to practice reading with appropriate materials. Nevertheless, the identification of specific weaknesses in phonics knowledge needs refinement to ensure targeted support for those struggling with reading. The school is committed to fostering a reading culture, with children enjoying storytime sessions.
Beyond academics, pupils benefit from a variety of extracurricular activities and experiences. Older students particularly enjoy residential trips, which contribute to their personal development. The curriculum also addresses social issues, teaching pupils about different cultures and the importance of respect and understanding in a diverse society. Through personal, social, health, and economic education, pupils learn about prejudice and discrimination, fostering a sense of community awareness.
Governance at Brough Primary School is strong, with governors actively engaging with school leaders to ensure that the experiences reported align with reality. They provide both support and challenge, being mindful of staff workload and well-being. Staff feel valued and included in the school's journey.
The school's safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in refining the assessment processes for reading support and understanding the impact of school initiatives on pupil learning and attendance. Overall, Brough Primary School continues to provide a supportive and enriching educational experience for its pupils.