Borough Green Primary School is recognized for its warm and inclusive community where pupils feel cared for and valued. The school fosters an environment that appreciates diversity, teaching students about various faiths, cultures, and abilities. This inclusive approach ensures that all pupils, including those who are disadvantaged and those with special educational needs and disabilities, feel a sense of belonging and actively participate in school life. Students engage enthusiastically in community initiatives, such as litter-picking projects and collaborations with local care homes, demonstrating their commitment to the wider community.
The relationships between pupils and staff are characterized by warmth and positivity. Pupils are aware that they can approach staff with any concerns, and they trust that these will be addressed promptly. Following a leadership transition, the school has established high expectations for behavior and learning, which pupils respond to positively, resulting in good behavior throughout the school.
This year, the school has implemented significant changes to its curriculum, which has been met with enthusiasm from pupils and has led to improved learning outcomes. The curriculum is carefully sequenced, ensuring that pupils build their knowledge and skills progressively from Reception through to Year Six. For instance, in art and design, pupils develop their sketching skills incrementally, starting with basic mark-making and advancing to more complex techniques. This structured approach helps pupils retain knowledge and take pride in their achievements.
Staff effectively support individual pupils, particularly those with special educational needs. The school prioritizes high-quality training for staff, enhancing their ability to broaden pupils' language skills. This focus on professional development enables teachers to use resources effectively, aiding pupils in acquiring new vocabulary. Consequently, disadvantaged pupils, including those with special educational needs, achieve well and demonstrate a strong understanding of the material covered in class.
Reading is a key focus at the school, with phonics sessions taught effectively, allowing pupils to become fluent and accurate readers. Books are matched closely to the sounds pupils have learned, and regular assessments help identify those who may need additional support. This targeted approach ensures that all pupils make good progress in reading.
The school promotes positive behavior consistently, teaching pupils to use their language skills to resolve conflicts and express their emotions. Subtle adjustments are made to support pupils with special educational needs, and weekly assemblies celebrate positive behaviors, reinforcing a culture of respect and recognition. While attendance has improved, some disadvantaged pupils still miss significant amounts of learning, and the school is actively working with families to address this issue.
Borough Green Primary School is committed to providing a broad range of opportunities for its pupils. Staff carefully select experiences that enhance learning and broaden horizons, including science days at local schools and residential trips. Pupils are educated on online safety and community awareness, developing a mature understanding of important concepts such as consent and healthy relationships.
Leadership at the school is characterized by a strong commitment to its values and ethos. Governors are well-trained and actively support the school, providing both challenge and encouragement. Staff feel supported in their roles, contributing to a positive school environment.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, ensuring that pupils are safe and well cared for. However, the school recognizes the need to improve attendance for some pupils and to strengthen the quality of teaching in a few subjects to ensure consistency in learning outcomes across the curriculum. The school is dedicated to addressing these areas for improvement while maintaining its overall effectiveness and commitment to high standards of education.
