On December 3, 2020, Ofsted conducted a visit to Brampton Primary School, led by Her Majesty’s Inspector Christine Watkins. This visit was part of Ofsted’s efforts to understand 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, the focus was on discussions with the headteacher, Wayne Parkinson, regarding the school’s actions since the full reopening mandated by the government in September 2020.
During the visit, it was noted that approximately one-third of pupils had to study from home at some point due to COVID-19. Despite these challenges, the school has maintained its normal curriculum, with some activities, like swimming, rescheduled for later in the academic year. Most extracurricular clubs have continued to operate, providing students with opportunities for engagement outside the classroom.
The early years teachers reported that children in the Reception Year returned with lower levels of language and communication skills. In response, teachers have implemented activities aimed at improving these essential skills. For pupils in Year 1 through Year 6, teachers assessed their starting points in English and mathematics. It was found that younger pupils had gaps in their phonics knowledge, prompting teachers to provide additional support to help them learn the sounds and letters they had missed.
In Year 6, many pupils began the school year unable to recall some arithmetic concepts previously taught. Teachers are revisiting these topics to ensure that students regain confidence in their mathematical abilities. Additionally, pupils missed significant portions of the topic work scheduled for the summer term, and teachers are planning to integrate this content into the remainder of the school year where possible.
Remote education has been made available for pupils who are self-isolating or part of year group bubbles. This has included online programs for reading and mathematics, as well as some topic work. The school leadership is also planning to invest in software and training for staff to enhance the delivery of lessons through video.
The visit did not reveal any significant concerns regarding the school’s operations during this challenging period. The insights gained from this visit 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 expressed gratitude for the opportunity to share the school’s experiences, which will help shape future educational policies.
This visit is part of a broader initiative by Ofsted to engage with a diverse range of schools, including maintained schools, academies, free schools, special schools, and alternative provision centers. The information gathered will be instrumental in understanding how schools are navigating the complexities of education during and after the pandemic. The findings from Brampton Primary School reflect the resilience and adaptability of the school community in the face of unprecedented challenges, highlighting their commitment to providing quality education for all pupils.
