On November 3, 2020, a remote visit was conducted at Brunswick Park Primary School by Ofsted representatives, including Her Majesty’s Inspector. This visit was part of Ofsted's initiative to assess how schools are managing the return to full education following the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The visit was not an inspection and did not involve graded judgments or the usual range of inspection activities, such as classroom observations or reviewing students' work. Instead, it focused on discussions with the headteacher and senior leadership team regarding the school's actions since the full reopening of schools in September 2020.
Brunswick Park Primary School reopened to all pupils on September 7, 2020, with most year groups attending full-time. Attendance was noted to be slightly lower than the previous year, and the school provided support for a small number of pupils who were hesitant to return. The school ensured that all pupils were studying the usual curriculum, including all subjects within the national curriculum. Adjustments were made to music and physical education sessions to maintain the integrity of the curriculum while adhering to safety guidelines.
At the beginning of the term, staff assessed pupils' starting points in reading, writing, and mathematics, comparing these to expected levels for their ages. This assessment led to a focus on enhancing pupils' reading comprehension and number skills. The school invested in published resources to assist teachers in addressing gaps in pupils' knowledge. Notably, some Year 1 pupils demonstrated good progress in reading during the time they were learning from home. To support Year 2 pupils in catching up, phonics sessions were organized, and across the school, staff dedicated additional time to developing pupils' comprehension and vocabulary skills.
In mathematics, the school implemented an online tuition program aimed at closing identified learning gaps. Additionally, the school organized curriculum recovery days, allowing pupils to explore topics they had missed during the previous terms. There was a strong emphasis on personal, social, and health education, prioritizing pupils' well-being. The school focused on helping pupils articulate their feelings by developing their vocabulary.
Plans were established to deliver all subjects remotely if necessary, and staff received training to effectively use the preferred online platform for remote learning. The visit concluded with no significant concerns identified, and the information gathered will contribute to Ofsted's national reporting, which aims to inform the government and the education sector about the current state of education in England.
The headteacher and the leadership team were commended for their efforts in managing the challenges posed by the pandemic and ensuring that pupils received a comprehensive education. The insights shared during the visit will play a role in shaping future educational policies. The letter summarizing the visit will be shared with relevant stakeholders, including the chair of the governing body and the regional schools commissioner, and will be published on the Ofsted website for public access. Overall, the visit highlighted the school's commitment to providing quality education and supporting the well-being of its pupils during a challenging time.
