Braywood CofE First School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 5 December 2023

This is a welcoming and caring school. Pupils are friendly and show kindness towards each other. Friendships extend across year groups, and older pupils are impressive role models. They seek to help other pupils whenever they can. At playtime, they enthusiastically run games for younger pupils and include everyone. The school's values are at the heart of the school and are based around developing strength of character. Pupils learn about two school values each year and they connect to the previous years. This means by the time pupils leave the school they have an exceptional understanding of the values of courage and resilience. Relationships between pupils and staff are warm and positive. Parents and carers value how the school builds pupils' confidence through its caring approach. Pupils feel safe and staff swiftly address any concerns they might have. There is a focus on developing resilience. One parent captured this, saying, 'The school cares for my child and teaches them how to keep going in their learning.' The school has high expectations of all pupils, and these are realised in most subjects. However, in a few subjects, pupils cannot recall the key knowledge that they have been taught.

What the school should improve

• In a small number of subjects, pupils are unable to recall and build on previously taught knowledge. As a result, pupils do not achieve as well in these subjects. In these subjects the school needs to ensure that there are more planned opportunities to recall and connect prior knowledge with what they already know.
• Governors do not hold leaders to account rigorously enough. Consequently, leaders are not challenged robustly on the impact of their actions. Governors should hold leaders to account more robustly.

Read the full Ofsted report (opens in a new tab)