Bratton Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Outcome

There has been no change to this school's overall judgement of good as a result of this ungraded (section 8) inspection. However, the evidence gathered suggests that the inspection grade might not be as high if a graded (section 5) inspection were carried out now.

Inspectors are recommending the next inspection to be a graded inspection.

What is it like to attend this school?

Most pupils enjoy coming to school and feel safe. They are welcoming and friendly.

Pupils are proud to take on roles of responsibility, such as librarians. Pupils like the rewards they receive, for example marbles in the jar to encourage collective responsibility. This promotes a sense of community an...d pride.

Leaders and staff have designed an ambitious curriculum. However, the curriculum is not fully implemented. Pupils do not gain the knowledge they need in all subjects.

Therefore, they do not achieve as well as they could.

Leaders place a high priority on pupils' personal development. Adults know each pupil well.

They are quick to spot any changes in their well-being and take rapid action. Pupils are safe and well looked after.

Pupils know how the school's values help guide them to make the right choices.

For example, they learn to 'respect' differences and show 'empathy' towards others. Pupils behave sensibly in lessons and around the school. Bullying is uncommon.

Staff sort out any issues quickly.

Adults love working at Bratton. They appreciate the training leaders provide to develop their knowledge and skills.

Leaders are conscious of teacher workload and consider ways to help them manage this.

What does the school do well and what does it need to do better?

The recently appointed headteacher is providing clarity and direction. She has quickly identified the weaknesses.

She has rapidly gained the trust and respect of staff, pupils, governors and parents. Together with leaders, she is working with determination to bring about positive change. However, it is too soon to see the impact.

Leaders' work to develop the curriculum is proving successful. Leaders now have in place an ambitious curriculum from Reception to Year 6. However, leaders' curriculum thinking is not being applied consistently by all staff.

New approaches have not had time to embed fully. As a result, pupils' learning is hindered and so they do not gain the knowledge they need.

Until recently, the teaching of phonics has not been effective.

Many pupils, particularly older pupils, have gaps in their knowledge. There is now a systematic approach to the teaching of reading. Phonics is taught effectively.

Children start phonics as soon as they start in Reception. Staff match pupils' books to the sounds they know. This helps pupils to read accurately and fluently.

Recent work to improve the reading environment and culture of reading is evident. Classrooms and the library are now full of interesting books for pupils to enjoy. Story time is an important part of the day.

Leaders are aware that writing is a priority. Pupils do not demonstrate the knowledge they have learned in their written work. Teachers do not have high enough expectations for pupils' written work.

Pupils' work is often poorly presented, which leads to errors being made. Leaders have plans in place to improve writing across the curriculum to ensure pupils can articulate their learning in their recorded work.

In some subjects, teachers use assessment well to identify gaps in pupils' learning.

They revisit prior learning to help the most important knowledge stick in pupils' memory. For example, in mathematics pupils are able to use their knowledge of number to solve problems well. However, because the curriculum is not fully implemented, assessment in some subjects is not yet secure.

This means that teachers do not know how well pupils remember the content they have been taught.

Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) get the help they need. Leaders support staff to adapt learning to meet the needs of pupils.

Those with SEND learn the same subjects and content as their peers. However, there remain gaps in their knowledge.

Staff provide high-quality pastoral care.

Pupils value the chance to discuss any worries or concerns. Pupils understand the importance of behaving well. They follow the rules and routines.

As a result, behaviour in lessons and throughout school is typically calm.

Leaders provide a range of experiences beyond the academic curriculum. Pupils enjoy a wide range of range of clubs, including sports, dance and music.

School leaders and subject leaders work closely with staff. They provide training and guidance to ensure staff have the necessary knowledge and expertise to support pupils' learning. Governors know what is working well and what needs to improve.

They hold leaders to account for the quality of education.

Most parents would recommend the school to others. They comment that their children are safe, well looked after and enjoy school.

They have confidence in the new leadership to bring about change. However, a number of parents expressed concern about the high turnover of staff and the impact this has had on their child.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

Leaders create a strong safeguarding culture. They ensure that keeping pupils safe is everyone's responsibility. Staff know what to do if they think a pupil is at risk.

Leaders make timely and well-informed decisions. They work closely with other agencies and are not afraid to challenge decisions that have been made to ensure pupils are safe. Governors regularly check the effectiveness of the school's work, including safer recruitment procedures.

Pupils learn how to keep themselves safe. Pupils know that adults will listen to them if they have any concerns and will help.

What does the school need to do to improve?

(Information for the school and appropriate authority)

• The curriculum has not been fully implemented across the school.

As a result, pupils do not gain the knowledge they need to achieve well across the curriculum. Leaders need to complete the process of implementing the planned curriculum effectively in all subjects. ? Writing is not well developed.

As a result, pupils do not demonstrate what they have learned in their written work. Leaders should ensure that pupils develop their writing across all areas of the curriculum. ? Teachers do not have high enough expectations for pupils' presentation of work.

This means that some pupils make errors and work is poorly presented. Leaders should ensure that teachers consistently have high expectations for how pupils present their work in all subjects. ? Some parents expressed concerns about the number of staffing changes and the impact this has had on their child's education.

Some parents do not think their child is achieving as well as they should. Leaders need to build on the work that has already started to strengthen links with parents so that any concerns raised are dealt with quickly.

Background

When we have judged a school to be good, we will then normally go into the school about once every four years to confirm that the school remains good.

This is called an ungraded inspection, and it is carried out under section 8 of the Education Act 2005. We do not give graded judgements on an ungraded inspection. However, if we find evidence that a school would now receive a higher or lower grade, then the next inspection will be a graded inspection, which is carried out under section 5 of the Act.

Usually this is within one to two years of the date of the ungraded inspection. If we have serious concerns about safeguarding, behaviour or the quality of education, we will deem the ungraded inspection a graded inspection immediately.

This is the second ungraded inspection since we judged the school to be good in November 2012.