Brownlow Primary School, located in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on September 19 and 20, 2023. The school operates under the leadership of executive headteacher Ian Toon and is part of the Mowbray Education Trust, which provides additional oversight and support. The trust is led by CEO Christine Stansfield and a board of trustees chaired by Anne Frost. Vicky Sellars serves as the acting headteacher, ensuring the school runs smoothly.
The school prioritizes the well-being of its students, fostering a safe and nurturing environment where kindness and respect are modeled by staff. Parents and carers express satisfaction with the support their children receive, noting that despite the school's size, individual attention is given to each pupil. Students enjoy attending school and appreciate the diverse range of extracurricular activities available, including clubs for cricket, orienteering, canine behavior, and German. The school encourages participation through initiatives like golden tickets, which invite students to explore their interests further.
Pupils are aware of the high expectations regarding behavior and understand the importance of adhering to the school's four simple rules: be respectful, be kind, be self-regulated, and take care of yourself and your environment. They feel these rules are fair and take responsibility for their actions, contributing to a calm and happy learning atmosphere.
The curriculum at Brownlow Primary is ambitious and aligned with national standards, tailored to meet the specific needs of its students. It is carefully sequenced to ensure a logical progression of learning from early years through Year 6. Each unit begins with a thought-provoking question, engaging students in their learning. However, there is some inconsistency in how key knowledge is identified across foundation subjects, which the school needs to address.
Teachers generally follow the curriculum effectively, presenting new information clearly and demonstrating strong subject knowledge. Nonetheless, there are instances where the curriculum is not sufficiently adapted to meet the diverse needs of all pupils, leading to some students finding the material either too challenging or too easy.
The school promotes a love of reading, starting from the early years, with regular library visits and daily storytime. Older students conclude their day with a class novel, which enhances their enjoyment of reading. The phonics program is well-implemented, ensuring that children receive a solid foundation in reading skills, with additional support provided for those who need it.
Brownlow Primary has established effective systems for identifying and supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities. The school is committed to ensuring these students can access the same curriculum as their peers, utilizing adaptations to support their learning.
The school excels in promoting personal development, preparing pupils for future educational stages and instilling an understanding of online safety. Students engage in various activities, including performing in front of audiences and learning musical instruments, which enrich their educational experience.
The trust collaborates closely with the school to identify improvement priorities, balancing support with accountability. Staff report high job satisfaction, appreciating the consideration given to their workload and well-being.
The safeguarding arrangements at Brownlow Primary are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all students. However, the school must enhance the clarity of the small steps of learning in foundation subjects and ensure that all teachers are equipped to adapt the curriculum to meet the needs of every pupil effectively. This will help all students achieve their full potential and maintain the school's good standing in the educational community.
