Brampton Church of England Primary School, located in Beccles, Suffolk, was inspected on November 2 and 3, 2021. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as good, with specific areas such as the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, leadership and management, and early years provision also receiving good ratings. Notably, personal development was rated as outstanding. This was the first inspection under section five of the Education Act 2005, as the school had not been previously inspected.
Pupils at Brampton Primary School exhibit a strong enthusiasm for learning and demonstrate excellent attendance. They engage actively in their education, showing kindness and helpfulness towards one another. Parents echo this sentiment, describing the school as a friendly environment that prioritizes the needs of children and families. Classrooms are vibrant learning spaces where pupils are eager to participate and share their ideas. The positive relationships between pupils and staff foster an atmosphere of confidence and resilience.
The school encourages pupils to contribute to school life, ensuring that their voices are heard in decision-making processes. This involvement helps create a safe and happy environment. Pupils take on various roles, such as sports leaders, to promote health and fitness among their peers. They do not perceive bullying as a significant issue, trusting that adults will address any concerns that may arise.
Leaders collaborate with other local schools to design a well-structured curriculum that addresses the knowledge and skills pupils need. While most subjects are well planned, there are areas, such as design and technology, where further development is needed. Leaders have focused on helping pupils recover from the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in English and mathematics. Subject leaders provide training and support to enhance teachers’ subject knowledge, ensuring effective delivery of the curriculum.
Assessment practices are evolving, with some areas showing strength while others require further development. Staff are well-trained in teaching reading, and phonics instruction is delivered effectively from the start of the Reception Year. Pupils are provided with appropriate reading materials that align with their phonetic knowledge, leading to improved reading skills.
The school is committed to supporting pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), ensuring they receive the necessary adaptations to thrive alongside their peers. Early years education is also strong, with children encouraged to explore and use their imagination. However, there are areas within the early years curriculum that require more careful planning to ensure a cohesive learning experience as children transition to Year 1.
Pupils’ personal development is a significant strength of the school, with opportunities for leadership and participation in various activities. The school promotes discussions around core values, and a range of clubs and activities are available to nurture pupils’ interests, particularly for disadvantaged pupils.
The St Edmundsbury and Ipswich Diocesan Multi-Academy Trust provides effective oversight and support for the school, ensuring continuous improvement. Safeguarding measures are robust, with staff trained to recognize and report concerns. Pupils are educated about online safety, contributing to their understanding of potential risks.
To improve, the school needs to finalize curriculum planning in certain subjects and enhance assessment practices to ensure effective delivery and understanding of the curriculum. Additionally, the early years curriculum requires further development to ensure a seamless transition to key stage one. Overall, Brampton Church of England Primary School demonstrates a strong commitment to providing a quality education and fostering personal development among its pupils.
