Barrowford School, located in Lancashire, has been recognized for its overall effectiveness, receiving a Good rating in various areas including the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. The inspection took place on March 2 and 3, 2022, and the school has maintained its previous inspection grade of Good since June 2016.
The school fosters an inclusive environment where all pupils, regardless of race, gender, or culture, are welcomed and encouraged to succeed. Leaders, governors, and staff share a common ambition for all students, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, to achieve their best. This commitment is reflected in the positive attitudes of pupils, who strive to meet high expectations and perform well across most subjects.
Behavior in the school is generally good, with most pupils displaying sensible conduct in lessons and throughout the school. They are polite and well-mannered, and instances of bullying are reported to be rare. When bullying does occur, staff are quick to address the situation. Pupils demonstrate maturity in resolving conflicts and feel supported by adults in the school, contributing to a safe and nurturing environment.
The school emphasizes the development of good citizenship among its pupils. Older students particularly enjoy taking on responsibilities, such as assisting younger pupils with reading. The curriculum includes discussions on topical issues during weekly assemblies, allowing pupils to engage in meaningful debates. Additionally, pupils participate in charitable activities, fostering a sense of community and social responsibility.
Barrowford School has designed an ambitious and well-organized curriculum that meets the needs of its pupils, including those in the specially resourced provision for students with SEND. The curriculum covers a full range of national subjects, and teachers across the school effectively deliver the curriculum in many areas. From early years to Year 6, educators are clear about the knowledge to be taught and the sequence of content delivery. However, some subjects have relatively new curriculums, and teachers may lack confidence in what should be taught, which can hinder pupil progress.
Most subject leaders effectively monitor how well the curriculum supports pupil learning. However, in some subjects, leaders are still developing their expertise, which affects their ability to assess the curriculum's impact on pupil achievement. The teaching of reading is prioritized, with children in early years immersed in stories and phonics programs that enhance their language skills. Staff are well-trained to deliver phonics instruction, and pupils are provided with reading materials that align with their learning.
Pupils with SEND receive timely identification of their needs, and leaders ensure that appropriate support is in place, allowing these students to have equal opportunities for success. The school also promotes personal development through a well-structured program that educates pupils about diverse families, faiths, and cultures, as well as physical and mental health.
Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the school is gradually reintroducing extracurricular activities and providing pupils with enriching experiences beyond the academic curriculum. Staff appreciate the support from senior leaders regarding their well-being and workload, and governors are actively involved in holding leaders accountable for the quality of education.
The safeguarding arrangements at Barrowford School are effective, with all staff trained to recognize signs of harm and abuse. Leaders collaborate with external agencies to secure necessary support for pupils and their families. The curriculum also includes lessons on safety, including online safety.
To improve further, the school needs to support new subject leaders in developing their confidence and expertise to effectively lead their areas. Additionally, staff should receive the necessary support to implement new curriculums successfully, ensuring that all pupils can progress effectively in their learning. Overall, Barrowford School demonstrates a strong commitment to providing a quality education and fostering a positive environment for all its pupils.
