Bretherton Endowed Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School, located in Leyland, Lancashire, was inspected on 28 and 29 November 2023. The school has been rated as good in overall effectiveness, quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. This inspection marks the first routine evaluation since the school was last inspected 11 years ago, when it received an outstanding rating. The long gap between inspections was due to the school being exempt from routine inspections by law until November 2020.
The school is characterized by a welcoming atmosphere where pupils feel happy and proud to belong. They receive warm greetings from staff each morning, contributing to a positive start to their day. Parents and carers report that their children eagerly look forward to attending school. The school fosters a culture of kindness, encouraging pupils to build friendships and engage positively with one another. The supportive relationships between pupils and staff help students feel valued and confident in addressing any concerns they may have.
Pupils are motivated to meet the high expectations set for them, demonstrating good behaviour during lessons and throughout the school. They show enthusiasm for learning and achieve well across various subjects. The school offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, allowing pupils to explore their interests and talents, such as sports and arts. Participation in these activities helps pupils develop a sense of pride and accomplishment, particularly when representing the school in competitions and performances.
The curriculum is designed to be broad and ambitious, catering for the needs of all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. The school is currently reviewing its curriculum, which means that different subjects are at various stages of development. While most subjects are well-structured, some areas require further clarification regarding the essential knowledge pupils should acquire. This lack of clarity can impact the effectiveness of teaching and assessment in those subjects.
Reading is a priority at the school, with a strong emphasis on communication and language in the early years. Staff are well-trained to deliver a consistent phonics programme, enabling pupils to become fluent readers by the end of Year 2. Those who struggle with reading receive appropriate support to help them catch up. The school effectively identifies the additional needs of pupils with SEND, ensuring they have access to the same curriculum as their peers. However, there are instances where assessment strategies could be improved to better monitor understanding and adapt teaching accordingly.
Pupils exhibit good manners, confidence, and articulate communication skills. They are able to concentrate in a calm learning environment. The school provides numerous opportunities for pupils to learn about the wider world through trips and visits, fostering social and academic growth. Pupils demonstrate an understanding of diversity and the importance of respect for all individuals.
Governors play an active role in the school, providing support to leaders and staff. The school has made efforts to reduce unnecessary workload for staff, contributing to a positive working environment. Parents express high levels of satisfaction with the school, appreciating the approachable staff and the care provided to their children. The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils.
In summary, Bretherton Endowed Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School is a good school that prioritizes the well-being and education of its pupils. While there are areas for improvement, particularly in curriculum clarity and assessment strategies, the overall environment is supportive and conducive to learning. The school continues to build on its strengths while addressing areas that require further development.
