Brown’s Church of England Primary School, located in Horbling, Sleaford, Lincolnshire, has recently undergone an inspection on 17 and 18 October 2023, resulting in an overall effectiveness rating of good. The school is led by executive headteacher George Trafford and is part of the Lincoln Anglican Academy Trust. The inspection highlighted several strengths within the school, including the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision, all rated as good.
Pupils at Brown’s Primary School express happiness and a sense of safety within the small, friendly environment. They appreciate the supportive nature of their teachers and recognize the high expectations set for their academic achievements. The school fosters positive attitudes towards learning, encouraging pupils to work hard and aspire to reach their potential. This supportive atmosphere is complemented by a strong emphasis on the school’s Christian values, which include hope, peace, courage, friendship, trust, and compassion.
The school offers a variety of sporting opportunities that are inclusive for all students, promoting participation and enjoyment in physical activities. Parents and carers have expressed satisfaction with the school’s provision, noting the strong supportive culture that benefits pupils of all abilities. The curriculum is well-designed and ambitious, catering for the needs of all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. However, the delivery of some aspects of the curriculum is not yet consistently effective across all classes, leading to some pupils struggling to retain what they have learned.
Reading is prioritized at Brown’s Primary School, with children beginning their reading journey as soon as they start school. Staff receive the necessary training to effectively teach phonics, and pupils are provided with books that align with their phonics knowledge. While most pupils can read accurately using their phonics skills, some lack confidence in reading fluently. The school addresses this by providing additional support to help these pupils catch up.
The early years provision is strong, with children enjoying their learning experiences and demonstrating an understanding of their activities. They engage enthusiastically with stories and are beginning to develop their writing skills. The school also emphasizes personal development, offering pupils opportunities to take on responsibilities and engage in various experiences that broaden their understanding of the world, including theatre trips and cultural explorations.
The school maintains close ties with the local community, which enhances the educational experience for pupils. Staff feel proud to work at the school and report feeling well-supported in their roles. Leaders, including those from the trust, have a clear understanding of the school’s strengths and areas for improvement, working collaboratively to implement necessary changes.
The safeguarding arrangements at Brown’s Primary School are effective, ensuring the safety and well-being of all pupils. The inspection identified that while the curriculum is generally well-structured, there are areas where consistency in delivery and assessment needs improvement. Staff must enhance their understanding of how to effectively deliver the curriculum and assess pupil knowledge to ensure all students can retain and build upon their learning over time. Overall, Brown’s Church of England Primary School demonstrates a commitment to providing a supportive and effective educational environment for its pupils.
