Bourne Elsea Park Church of England Primary Academy is recognized as a good school, as confirmed by its recent inspection. The school fosters a positive environment where pupils feel safe, happy, and proud of their institution. The ethos of respect for oneself, others, and the environment is evident through the school's core values, referred to as the '3Rs'. Pupils demonstrate politeness and a welcoming attitude, contributing to a calm and purposeful atmosphere conducive to learning. The school emphasizes high expectations for behavior, and instances of bullying are reported to be rare, with pupils confident in the staff's ability to address any concerns.
The school excels in providing exceptional opportunities for personal development, with strong pastoral care and a focus on character education. Staff members nurture independence, resilience, and confidence among pupils, who express enthusiasm for various extracurricular activities, including memorable residential trips. Parents and carers appreciate the school's commitment to student well-being, often highlighting the care and support provided by the staff.
Leadership at the school is characterized by a strong moral purpose, with high expectations set for both staff and pupils. The curriculum is broad and ambitious, extending beyond national expectations, with subjects like Spanish introduced at an early age. While the English, mathematics, and science curriculums are particularly strong, there are areas, such as design and technology and art, where the curriculum could be more ambitious. Teachers possess strong subject knowledge and effectively check pupils' understanding, ensuring that learning is built upon over time.
The school prioritizes reading, with a structured approach to phonics that supports early readers. Staff are trained to utilize phonics resources effectively, and pupils engage in daily reading activities, fostering a love for literature. The early years provision is robust, promoting personal, social, and emotional development through rich experiences that encourage creativity and exploration.
Pupils are well-prepared for life in modern Britain, with a curriculum that promotes understanding of diversity, equality, and respect. Leadership opportunities are available for pupils, allowing them to take on roles such as e-safety champions and student councillors. The personal, social, health, and economic education curriculum is well-structured, addressing local risks and promoting moral development.
Safeguarding arrangements are effective, with a strong culture of safety embedded within the school. Leaders are proactive in addressing welfare concerns and maintain thorough safeguarding records. Staff are well-informed about safeguarding policies and practices, ensuring that pupils are educated on how to stay safe both in the community and online.
While the school has many strengths, there is a need for improvement in ensuring that all subject curriculums are equally ambitious. Leaders must focus on enhancing the curriculum intent and implementation across all subjects to provide pupils with comprehensive knowledge and skills. This will help ensure that all pupils meet high expectations and retain more information across the curriculum. Overall, Bourne Elsea Park Church of England Primary Academy continues to provide a supportive and enriching educational experience for its pupils.
