Battling Brook Primary School, located in Hinckley, Leicestershire, has recently undergone an inspection on June 18 and 19, 2024, and has been rated as good in overall effectiveness, quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. The headteacher, Lisa Mathie, leads the school, which operates as a standalone academy under the oversight of a board of trustees chaired by Lucy Ryland.
The school is larger than many primary institutions, yet it maintains a strong understanding of its pupils, with staff, including the headteacher, greeting students by name and engaging with them about their day. This personal approach fosters positive relationships between the school and families, contributing to a supportive environment where students feel safe and valued. Pupils express pride in their school and are eager to share their learning experiences, demonstrating a strong sense of community.
The school recognizes the challenges posed by the pandemic and has implemented programs to help students develop resilience and coping skills. This initiative reflects the school’s commitment to high expectations for all pupils, equipping them to manage their emotions and focus on their studies. The overall atmosphere at Battling Brook Primary is one of happiness and encouragement, where diversity is celebrated, and students are taught the importance of individuality.
The curriculum at Battling Brook is broad, balanced, and ambitious, designed to engage pupils and stimulate their interest in learning. In subjects like mathematics, the curriculum builds progressively, allowing students to develop a solid understanding of key concepts. For instance, early years pupils grasp the basics of number recognition, which lays the groundwork for more complex mathematical skills in later years. However, there are areas where the curriculum could benefit from clearer mapping of essential knowledge and a more precise sequence of learning to ensure that all subjects are taught effectively.
Reading is a central focus of the curriculum, with the school committed to ensuring that every pupil becomes a proficient reader who enjoys literature. In the early years and key stage one, pupils are introduced to carefully selected books that promote a love of reading and include diverse themes. The phonics program is effectively delivered, enabling pupils to develop their reading skills quickly and enthusiastically.
In the early years, children engage in a variety of activities that promote their reading, writing, and numeracy skills. They participate in games that encourage social interaction and imaginative play. However, there is a lack of a formal system to track the skills children practice during their play, which could lead to gaps in their knowledge.
The school is proactive in identifying pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, providing effective support through external agencies. Staff are trained to adapt the curriculum to meet the needs of these pupils, ensuring they can learn alongside their peers.
The personal development program at Battling Brook prepares pupils for life in modern Britain, teaching them about safety, fundamental British values, and the importance of freedom of speech. Pupils are aware of their rights and responsibilities and can engage in discussions about democracy and current events.
Trustees play a vital role in supporting and challenging the school, sharing the ambition for every pupil to succeed. Staff feel supported by leadership, which is attentive to their workload and well-being, even as they strive for continuous improvement.
The school’s safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in the mapping of knowledge across the curriculum and the monitoring of learning outcomes. The school should establish clearer systems to ensure that all children in the early years benefit from a range of meaningful learning opportunities.
Overall, Battling Brook Primary School demonstrates a strong commitment to providing a quality education and fostering a positive learning environment, with clear areas identified for further development to enhance the educational experience for all pupils.
