Brindle St James Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School in Chorley, Lancashire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on September 13, 2022. The school fosters a positive environment where pupils feel happy and safe. The staff takes significant measures to ensure that children, especially those in the Reception and Key Stage 1 classes, transition smoothly into their educational journey. Parents and carers appreciate the school’s welcoming atmosphere and strong sense of community.
Pupils express that teachers genuinely care about their well-being and are interested in their thoughts and ideas. The school promotes a strong sense of identity among classes, where students from different year groups learn collaboratively. High expectations from staff contribute to the academic success of the pupils. Visitors to the school observe polite and enthusiastic students who are eager to share their experiences. The learning environment is characterized by good behavior and focused engagement in activities, with pupils valuing the acquisition of new knowledge. The school effectively manages incidents of bullying, ensuring a supportive atmosphere for all students.
The school provides numerous opportunities for pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, to develop their skills through various extracurricular activities such as cookery, flying discs, and cycling. Leaders and staff demonstrate a solid understanding of curriculum organization and teaching methods, continuously working to enhance subject curriculums. They have adapted the curriculum to address gaps in knowledge that arose during the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in strong academic achievement for pupils, particularly in preparation for secondary education.
All pupils, including those with special educational needs, follow the same curriculum, with staff breaking down content into manageable segments to facilitate learning. Pupils exhibit confidence and articulate their thoughts and recent learning effectively. However, in some subjects, there is a need for clearer identification of subject-specific vocabulary that should be taught, as this impacts pupils' understanding and progression.
Teachers regularly assess pupils' knowledge, allowing staff to identify areas needing reinforcement. The school places a strong emphasis on reading, particularly in the early years, with a well-resourced library and a focus on high-quality literature. Leaders ensure that additional support is provided for pupils struggling with reading, and a new phonics program has been introduced to enhance teaching methods.
While most pupils remain focused during lessons, there are occasional instances of low-level disruption, which staff manage effectively. The school enriches the curriculum with various extracurricular activities, including annual theatre visits and sporting events, promoting emotional management and respect among pupils. The headteacher and governing body possess a thorough understanding of the school’s strengths and areas for development, although some subject leaders require further training to enhance their leadership capabilities.
Staff report high levels of job satisfaction and feel well-supported by school leaders, who prioritize their well-being and workload. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with staff trained to recognize and respond to concerns regarding pupil safety. Parents appreciate the workshops provided by leaders to help them support online safety at home. Overall, Brindle St James Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School continues to provide a nurturing and effective educational environment for its pupils, with clear pathways for improvement identified by school leaders.
