The Pines School in Bracknell, Berkshire, underwent an inspection on January 17 and 18, 2023, and received an overall effectiveness rating of good. The school has made significant improvements since its previous inspection, which rated it as requiring improvement. The quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision were all rated as good.
The school fosters a positive atmosphere where partnership and purpose are evident. Staff prioritize building caring relationships with pupils, creating a nurturing environment that promotes safety and well-being. Pupils express pride in their behavior and report that bullying is rare. Older students take on responsibilities, supporting younger peers in their learning, which enhances the sense of community within the school.
From the outset, children in Nursery and Reception quickly adapt to school life, forming positive relationships and engaging in their learning. Teachers tailor their approaches to meet individual needs, enabling children to develop essential skills in reading and writing. The leadership team has implemented significant changes since September 2019, focusing on ambitious curriculum development and addressing previous leadership disruptions.
The curriculum is broad and ambitious, allowing pupils to make connections across subjects. In areas like mathematics, pupils demonstrate confidence in recalling knowledge and applying it to various contexts. However, in some foundation subjects, there are gaps in the clarity of what knowledge should be taught and the sequence of instruction. This has led to inconsistencies in pupils' understanding and retention of information.
Reading is a notable strength of the school, with early years pupils receiving effective phonics instruction that builds their confidence and fluency. Teachers are well-trained to support pupils who struggle with reading, ensuring that they do not fall behind. The school also provides high-quality support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they receive tailored assistance to thrive academically and socially.
Behavior management is effective, with a calm atmosphere maintained throughout the school. Pupils understand the importance of good behavior, and staff are proactive in addressing any concerns. While attendance has been a challenge for some pupils, the school has implemented clear strategies to improve this, showing positive results.
Pupils engage in various extracurricular activities, including sports and clubs, which contribute to their personal development. They appreciate the democratic processes in place, such as the school council, and value the diverse experiences offered through assemblies and lessons.
Safeguarding measures are robust, with staff trained to recognize and respond to concerns effectively. The school prioritizes the safety of its pupils, providing guidance on online safety for both students and parents.
To further improve, the school needs to refine its curriculum in foundation subjects to ensure that all pupils build knowledge consistently and can recall prior learning effectively. Assessment practices in these subjects require enhancement to provide teachers with a clearer understanding of pupils' learning progress. Overall, The Pines School demonstrates a commitment to continuous improvement and the well-being of its pupils, creating a supportive and effective learning environment.
