Brooke Primary Academy is a welcoming and supportive environment where pupils feel safe and happy. The school emphasizes respect among students and between pupils and adults, fostering positive relationships that are central to its ethos. Parents express satisfaction with the support and information provided by the school's leaders and staff. The school maintains high expectations for all pupils, which are reflected in the positive feedback from parents regarding their children's progress. Pupils demonstrate quick learning and development, aided by effective behavioral strategies that encourage self-reflection and better decision-making. This has resulted in positive behavior during lessons and playtimes.
Pupils report that bullying is not an issue at the school, and they feel confident that any potential problems would be addressed promptly by adults. The school promotes values such as sharing, caring, and kindness, contributing to a safe and friendly atmosphere. Both pupils and parents appreciate the variety of extracurricular clubs available, including football, rugby, forest school, and choir, which help nurture students' talents and interests.
The school is committed to ensuring that every pupil learns to read, regardless of their background or abilities. Leaders effectively coordinate training and support for teachers, ensuring they are well-equipped to deliver the phonics program. Pupils receive decodable books that align with their learning, which enhances their reading accuracy and confidence. Staff are quick to identify pupils who may be falling behind and provide effective catch-up sessions in small groups. Additionally, the school has implemented strategies to foster a love for reading, such as daily reading sessions and access to the school library.
The curriculum is thoughtfully designed to build on prior learning from Year 1 to Year 6, allowing pupils to make connections and deepen their understanding. However, the assessment systems currently in place do not accurately reflect pupils' learning, which can lead to unaddressed gaps and misconceptions. The school has effective systems for identifying and supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring that their needs are met through tailored resources and adapted lessons.
In the early years, adults model effective communication skills, promoting respect and collaboration among children. This approach helps children develop positive relationships and social skills. While assessment practices in the early years are strong, the curriculum does not align well with that of Year 1 and beyond, which may hinder children's preparedness for future learning.
Pupils learn about diversity and British values through various activities, demonstrating their understanding through positive attitudes and actions. The school encourages community involvement, with initiatives such as the school choir performing in local residential homes and pupils assisting with the local food bank.
The governance of the school is strong, with trustees and governors actively engaging with the school community to ensure continuous improvement. They regularly visit the school and communicate with leaders, staff, and pupils to maintain an accurate understanding of the school's performance.
The safeguarding arrangements at Brooke Primary Academy are effective, ensuring that pupils' welfare is prioritized. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in the assessment processes used to evaluate pupils' understanding and in aligning the early years curriculum with subsequent years. Addressing these issues will help sustain pupil progress and better prepare children for their future education. Overall, Brooke Primary Academy is a good school that is dedicated to the success and well-being of its pupils.
