Ofsted conducted a short inspection of Brinkworth Earl Danby’s Church of England Primary School on 18 December 2018, following its previous judgment of good in April 2015. The inspection confirmed that the school continues to maintain a good quality of education. The leadership team, including the headteacher and deputy headteacher, has effectively implemented changes to the curriculum and improved teaching quality despite recent staff absences. The school has re-established a strong teaching team, and middle leaders have utilized partnerships with local schools to enhance professional development. Consequently, pupils’ progress has been promoted effectively, with standards maintained or improved since the last inspection. In 2017 and 2018, Year 6 pupils exceeded national expectations in reading, writing, and mathematics.
Parents expressed high satisfaction with the school’s balanced approach to care and teaching, although a few raised concerns about communication regarding their issues. The school has taken steps to enhance communication with parents. This year, the curriculum has been broadened, with engaging topics that have excited pupils, such as a project on dinosaurs. The updated curriculum and assessment procedures provide a clearer understanding of pupils’ progress across various subjects.
The early years provision, previously identified as needing improvement, has shown marked progress, with a significant increase in the proportion of children achieving a good level of development. However, the inspection also focused on the progress of disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs and disabilities. While the school is inclusive and reflects its Christian values, the plans for additional funding for disadvantaged pupils lack clarity on addressing specific barriers to learning.
During the inspection, it was noted that pupils enjoy their learning, and lessons are conducted in a calm and purposeful manner. Safeguarding measures are effective, with leaders and governors prioritizing pupil safety and well-being. Staff are well-trained to meet pupils’ medical needs, and there is a strong culture of vigilance regarding safeguarding concerns.
The inspection findings highlighted areas for improvement, particularly in writing. While pupils in key stage two are motivated by new writing contexts, there is a need to enhance the teaching of writing in the early years and key stage one to ensure that all pupils, especially boys, develop the necessary handwriting skills. The current strategies for supporting disadvantaged pupils require refinement to ensure they effectively address barriers to learning, particularly in writing.
Next steps for the school include improving writing instruction to help early years and key stage one pupils develop age-appropriate handwriting skills, increasing the number of pupils achieving higher standards in writing, and ensuring that additional funding for disadvantaged pupils is utilized effectively to support their progress. The inspection concluded with a recognition of the school’s strengths and a clear direction for future development, emphasizing the importance of targeted strategies to enhance pupil outcomes.
