Stoke Bruerne Church of England Primary School has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on January 31, 2023. The school is characterized by a strong sense of community, with pupils and staff describing it as one big family. Each morning, teachers greet students at the gate, fostering a welcoming environment where concerns can be shared, ensuring that pupils start their day positively. The school prioritizes the safety and happiness of its students, creating an atmosphere where they feel secure.
High expectations are set for pupil behavior, with a clear stance against bullying. The students demonstrate kindness and cooperation, often engaging in collaborative activities during lunchtime, such as organizing games that include all pupils. The school celebrates achievements through initiatives like the VIP status, where pupils earn recognition for academic performance or embodying school values. Programs like the Mini Duke and Junior Duke awards encourage students to explore new interests and talents.
Parents express overwhelming support for the school, highlighting its caring and inclusive nature. The curriculum is designed to be broad and ambitious, with leaders continuously adapting it to ensure logical sequencing of lessons. However, there are areas where the sequencing of essential knowledge could be improved, as some subjects do not build effectively towards the curriculum's ambitious goals, resulting in a lack of depth in pupils' understanding.
Teachers present information in a manageable way, aiding retention and future learning. They generally possess good subject knowledge and effectively check pupils' understanding, contributing to overall achievement. Nonetheless, there are instances where resources and activities are not utilized to their full potential, leading to inconsistent quality of work across subjects. Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities benefit from a full curriculum, with tailored support to help them succeed.
Reading is a priority at the school, with early years pupils starting their reading journey as soon as they enter Reception. Teachers follow a structured approach to phonics, regularly assessing pupils to ensure they grasp the sounds of letters. While most adults are trained in early reading strategies, there are occasions when the effectiveness of these strategies could be enhanced. Older pupils continue to develop a love for reading, with opportunities to engage with diverse literature as part of the curriculum.
The early years program is well-structured, promoting resilience and independence among children. The school environment is calm and orderly, with pupils displaying respect and positive attitudes. The curriculum also fosters an understanding of different cultures and faiths, with pupils articulating their respect for diverse beliefs. Extracurricular activities, including residential trips, broaden pupils' experiences beyond their local community.
Leadership capacity is growing within the school, with staff expressing pride in their work environment. The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with trained staff able to identify and respond to potential risks. Leaders maintain detailed records of safeguarding concerns, ensuring pupils feel confident in reporting issues to trusted adults. The governing body is actively involved in monitoring safeguarding policies and procedures.
To improve, the school must ensure that essential knowledge is sequenced more precisely in certain subjects, allowing for deeper understanding. Teachers should consistently employ effective pedagogical approaches across all subjects, and all staff should receive comprehensive training in the school's reading strategies. Overall, Stoke Bruerne Church of England Primary School continues to provide a supportive and enriching educational experience for its pupils.
