Broadwater Down Primary School, located in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, has been rated as good in its recent inspection conducted on March 8 and 9, 2023. The school is characterized by its strong values of community, diversity, and excellence, which are evident in the trusting relationships established between leaders and pupils. The pastoral support provided to students is of high quality, ensuring that they feel happy, safe, and ready to learn. Parents have expressed positive sentiments about the school, highlighting its community feel and the individual care provided by staff.
The leadership team is ambitious for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Pupils demonstrate enthusiasm in their lessons and are motivated to meet the high expectations set by their teachers. The school fosters a positive environment where pupils work and play well together, understanding the importance of kindness and respect. This has resulted in a low incidence of bullying, with pupils equipped to resolve conflicts effectively.
The curriculum at Broadwater Down Primary School is well-structured and ambitious, with leaders identifying essential knowledge, skills, and vocabulary for most subjects. This clarity allows pupils to articulate their learning confidently and achieve commendable results. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in some subjects where the specific knowledge and skills required for pupils to learn have not been clearly defined. This has led to gaps in understanding and retention of knowledge among some pupils.
In reading and mathematics, teachers regularly assess pupil progress and adapt the curriculum accordingly, ensuring that all students can access the necessary learning. However, similar assessment practices are not consistently applied across all subjects, which can lead to some pupils falling behind without timely intervention. Leaders are aware of these challenges and are committed to refining the curriculum to enhance overall pupil achievement.
Phonics instruction begins in Reception, and while Year 1 phonics screening results were below the national average in 2022, current teaching practices are strong, and pupils are making good progress. Teachers ensure that reading materials align with pupils' phonetic knowledge, fostering confidence and fluency in reading. The school library offers a diverse range of books, and older pupils engage in quizzes to select appropriately challenging reading materials.
The leadership team collaborates effectively with governors to enhance educational quality. They regularly evaluate areas needing improvement, such as mathematics outcomes, and have established plans to address these issues. Leaders are particularly focused on supporting pupils with special educational needs, ensuring that staff are well-trained to provide the necessary academic and pastoral support.
Pupils exhibit positive attitudes towards learning, with minimal disruption during lessons. Staff are quick to address any emotional or behavioral challenges, allowing pupils to remain focused on their education. The school’s personal, social, health, and economic education program aligns with its core values, teaching pupils respect for diverse cultures and promoting mental well-being.
Safeguarding measures are robust, with a strong culture of vigilance among staff. They are trained to recognize and report any concerns, ensuring that pupils feel safe and supported. The school effectively communicates with external agencies when necessary and teaches pupils about safety, including online safety.
In summary, Broadwater Down Primary School is a good educational institution with a strong community ethos, effective leadership, and a commitment to high-quality education. While there are areas for improvement, particularly in curriculum clarity and assessment practices, the school is well-positioned to continue fostering a positive learning environment for all its pupils.
