Burlish Park Primary School, located in Stourport-on-Severn, Worcestershire, underwent an inspection on January 17 and 18, 2023, and received an overall effectiveness rating of good. The quality of education, behavior and attitudes, and early years provision were also rated as good, while personal development and leadership and management were rated as outstanding. This was the first inspection under the Education Act 2005, as the school had not been previously inspected.
Pupils at Burlish Park Primary School enjoy attending and demonstrate good behavior. They are aware of the school's values and strive to embody the principles of love, learning, and living together respectfully. The school offers a wide range of enrichment opportunities, and parents appreciate the care and support provided by the staff. The school fosters a caring environment where pupils look out for one another, and older students take on leadership roles, such as play leaders and house captains, promoting a sense of community and responsibility.
The school council has successfully implemented initiatives to improve the school environment, such as increasing the number of litter bins. The youngest pupils show a strong appreciation for nature, utilizing outdoor spaces to learn about the environment. Leaders at the school have set high ambitions for all pupils, ensuring that every child feels valued and can achieve success. Staff members feel well-supported by school leaders, who provide regular check-ins and high-quality resources to aid teaching.
The curriculum is ambitious and well-structured, guiding pupils from early years through to Year 6. It includes a variety of planned visits that connect classroom learning with real-world experiences. While pupils generally behave well and engage with their learning, there are instances where they struggle to recall previous knowledge. Leaders are committed to ensuring that all pupils develop strong reading skills, providing targeted support for those who need it. The school library and classrooms are filled with high-quality texts, and pupils enjoy participating in reading challenges.
In the early years, children benefit from a mix of structured and free-choice activities that are thoughtfully linked to various topics. Teachers employ diverse strategies tailored to the subject matter, enhancing pupils' learning experiences. Most teachers effectively assess pupils' progress, although there are areas, such as handwriting, where improvements are needed. Leaders are aware of these issues and have implemented plans to address them.
The school prioritizes safeguarding, with effective arrangements in place. Staff receive ongoing training and are knowledgeable about safeguarding protocols. They teach pupils about various risks, empowering them to manage their safety in different contexts, including online environments and personal relationships.
To further improve, the school should focus on embedding recall strategies within the relatively new curriculum, allowing pupils to articulate their knowledge more effectively. By enhancing oracy opportunities, leaders can help pupils demonstrate their understanding across subjects. Overall, Burlish Park Primary School is a supportive and nurturing environment where pupils thrive academically and personally, with strong leadership and a commitment to continuous improvement.
