Broad Oak Community Primary School, located in St Helens, Merseyside, has been recognized for its warm and welcoming environment, where pupils feel happy and valued. The school promotes a strong sense of community, encapsulated in its ‘Broad Oak Family’ values, which emphasize friendship and a positive attitude towards learning. High expectations are set for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring that they strive to meet these standards. The school fosters an engaging learning atmosphere, where pupils actively participate in lessons and demonstrate confidence in discussing their learning experiences.
Pupils exhibit respectful behavior towards one another, displaying politeness and good manners. The positive attitudes cultivated from the early years contribute to a learning environment with minimal disruptions. Staff are trusted to address any behavioral issues promptly, reinforcing a culture of respect and responsibility. The school offers a diverse range of extracurricular activities, including trips and clubs, which enhance the curriculum and nurture pupils' interests and talents. From sewing clubs for younger pupils to cooking and art clubs for older students, these opportunities enrich the educational experience.
The curriculum at Broad Oak is broad, balanced, and ambitious, catering for the needs of all pupils. The school has meticulously mapped out the essential knowledge that pupils should acquire across subjects, and staff regularly assess learning to identify and address any gaps. This proactive approach allows for tailored support to enhance pupils' educational journeys. Staff are well-equipped to design effective learning activities, benefiting from high-quality training provided by the school. However, recent outcomes in writing have not met expectations, prompting the school to revise its writing curriculum. Staff are becoming increasingly skilled in helping pupils develop their writing abilities, although some pupils still struggle with legibility and letter formation by the end of Year 2, which can hinder their writing fluency in later years.
The school’s performance data indicates that the phonics screening check results for Year 1 pupils fell below the national average, as did the attainment in mathematics and writing for Year 6 pupils. Some of these pupils faced challenges due to joining the school midyear, which limited their ability to fully benefit from the curriculum. Nevertheless, current pupils generally achieve well across various subjects. Reading is prioritized within the curriculum, with pupils using books that align with their phonics knowledge. Staff monitor progress closely and provide effective support for those who struggle, fostering a love for reading.
The school effectively addresses the needs of children who enter without the typical knowledge and skills for their age, quickly helping them develop their language abilities. Pupils with special educational needs receive the same broad curriculum as their peers and are included in all aspects of school life. The school is committed to supporting vulnerable pupils, including young carers and new arrivals.
Attendance is a key focus, with the school implementing strategies to reduce absence rates. The pastoral approach contributes to the effectiveness of these measures, and the number of pupils struggling with regular attendance is decreasing. The school also prioritizes staff well-being, ensuring that their views are valued and considered.
Pupils are provided with numerous opportunities for personal development, learning to appreciate diversity and taking on leadership roles. They are educated about maintaining physical and mental health and are prepared for life in modern Britain. Governors play an active role in supporting the school’s improvement, holding it accountable for the quality of education provided.
The safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. However, the school recognizes the need to further embed its new writing curriculum and raise expectations for handwriting and presentation across all subjects. By addressing these areas, the school aims to enhance the overall educational experience and outcomes for its pupils.
