Birchwood Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils flourish at Birchwood Primary School.

Children receive an excellent start to their education from the moment they begin in early years. The school is highly aspirational for all pupils. Pupils display immense pride in being a part of this school community.

They talk eagerly about their learning.

The school believes that there are no limits or barriers to what pupils can achieve. Staff hold very high expectations for all pupils.

Pupils live up to these. They achieve exceptionally well across the curriculum. Pupils enjoy school and attend well.

Pupils' behaviour is exemplary. The school culture is driven by the school values of 'conside...ration and respect'. The school is a purposeful place in which to learn.

Pupils are focused and respectful. They are polite to each other and to visitors. Pupils feel safe.

They celebrate difference and socialise happily together.

Support for pupils' personal development is exceptional. The school goes beyond the expected so that pupils have access to a wide, rich set of experiences.

One example is the BASE Skills Academy. The school council gather pupils' ideas for a wide range of enjoyable skills-based activities, led by school staff. These enhance the school's vision to provide pupils with rich opportunities and memorable experiences.

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

The school has developed an ambitious curriculum that meets the needs of all pupils exceptionally well. This starts in the early years. In each subject, the school clearly identifies knowledge so that teaching staff know precisely what pupils should learn.

There are regular opportunities for pupils to recap on previous learning. This helps them to retain their knowledge and build on it over time. As a result, pupils develop a deep breadth of knowledge as they move through the school.

The school prepares pupils to be curious and enthusiastic learners. They develop a passion for learning. Children learn this from early years, where they develop excellent learning behaviours.

They concentrate on tasks for sustained periods. As pupils move through the curriculum, the school helps them to make links between the curriculum's essential knowledge. For example, pupils learn about space in science and consider the importance of the space race in their history learning.

The expert implementation of the curriculum enables pupils to develop deep and rich knowledge over time. Learning is adapted well to meet the needs of all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). The school acts quickly to identify pupils' needs.

This means that pupils with SEND receive the support they need from the time they start school. As a result, pupils with SEND learn the same curriculum as their peers. The school has created a highly nurturing environment where every pupil is welcome and accesses the same opportunities.

A love of reading is promoted all around the school and is inspired by the enthusiasm of staff. Reading is prioritised from the moment children start school. There is a strong focus on developing children's communication and language.

Pupils get regular opportunities to practise and consolidate their phonics knowledge. Staff use assessment well to check pupils' phonics progress. If pupils fall behind, they receive the support they need to help them catch up quickly.

Pupils develop their reading skills and fluency as they move through the school. Everyone is a reader at Birchwood.

Pupils have many meaningful opportunities to develop a sense of responsibility.

They are elected to various leadership roles by their peers. For example, house captains organise regular competitions for pupils to take part in. They also nominate pupils for 'star of the week' in celebration assemblies.

These roles help pupils to develop independence.

Enrichment opportunities are considered carefully to significantly enhance the curriculum. These include a wide range of extra-curricular clubs and trips.

Older pupils learn about different career options during 'world of work week'. This helps to raise pupils' aspirations. The range of enrichment opportunities the school provides makes a tangible difference to pupils.

One captured this well, stating that the school 'broadens my horizons'.

The school sits at the heart of the community. The senior leadership team, staff, trust, governors and parents share in the school's vision and direction.

There is a collective drive to make the school the best it can possibly be. Trustees and governors know the school's strengths and ongoing priorities well. They provide appropriate support and challenge.

Staff feel well supported and morale is high. Parents and carers are overwhelmingly positive about the school.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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