Boughton Primary School, located in Northamptonshire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on January 10 and 11, 2023. The school is characterized by a caring and friendly environment where pupils take pride in their school community. They express appreciation for their supportive teachers, who actively listen to their concerns and feedback. The school fosters a family-like atmosphere, ensuring that each pupil is recognized as an individual.
Pupils at Boughton Primary School enjoy a variety of enriching experiences, including residential trips and visits to engaging locations. They have opportunities to explore their interests in sports and music, and they demonstrate a commitment to being responsible citizens by participating in fundraising for charities. Older students take on leadership roles, such as mentoring younger peers, which enhances their sense of responsibility and community.
Behavior among pupils is commendable, with adherence to the school's values of kindness, safety, and responsibility. They enjoy earning house points and headteacher awards, and they report that instances of bullying are rare, with teachers effectively addressing any conflicts that arise. The school leadership maintains high expectations for pupils' attitudes towards learning, and students show enthusiasm for their education. They engage with complex vocabulary and learn to discuss a range of ideas, benefiting from a curriculum that emphasizes reading and problem-solving skills in mathematics.
The school’s leadership team is dedicated to providing a quality education for all pupils. They have established a conducive learning environment and identified key concepts that pupils need to master across subjects. Detailed guidance is provided to teachers to help them ensure that pupils retain knowledge over time. Curriculum leaders are passionate and knowledgeable, although there is a need for further training to enhance their ability to monitor and improve the teaching of their subjects consistently.
Reading is prioritized within the curriculum, with a strong phonics program initiated from the start of Reception. Pupils are matched with books that suit their reading levels, and teachers introduce increasingly challenging texts. However, some pupils struggle with reading and do not always receive the targeted support necessary to catch up with their peers. This gap in support can hinder their progress in becoming confident readers.
In mathematics, the curriculum is ambitious and well-structured, allowing teachers to quickly identify and address pupils' misconceptions. Regular assessments help ensure that pupils revisit essential mathematical concepts as needed. The school is committed to inclusivity, ensuring that pupils with special educational needs and disabilities have access to the same curriculum as their peers, with appropriate support provided.
The early years program is effective, with positive relationships between staff and children. Staff prioritize language development and create engaging activities that prepare children for future learning. The well-being of pupils is a key focus, with initiatives in place to help them develop resilience and respect for others.
Parents hold the school in high regard, and staff express pride in their work environment. There is a strong sense of teamwork among staff, who feel respected and supported by leadership. The school has effective safeguarding measures in place, ensuring that pupils feel safe and know how to report concerns.
To improve, the school needs to enhance the support provided to pupils at the early stages of reading to help them catch up more effectively. Additionally, leaders should continue to develop their skills in monitoring curriculum implementation to provide clearer guidance for subject improvement. Overall, Boughton Primary School continues to demonstrate its commitment to providing a good education for its pupils.
