Brierley Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 15 November 2022

This school is at the heart of the community. Pupils, including children in the early years, know that they are part of the Brierley family. They said that everyone cares about each other. This helps them to feel valued, happy and safe. Leaders have high expectations for all pupils. Most pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), achieve well. The care and support that staff provide for children in the early years helps them to settle into school quickly. Children enjoy joining in with the interesting activities that staff plan for them. Pupils develop their wider interests and talents through clubs, such as sign language, singing and sports clubs. Residential visits and experience days, such as days to learn about the Romans and volcanoes, help to enrich pupils' learning. Pupils and children learn about helping others by holding fundraising events for charities. Teachers have clear and high expectations for pupils' and children's behaviour. Pupils and children behave well. They are well-mannered and respectful. Poor behaviour seldom disrupts their learning. Pupils play happily with each other during breaktimes and lunchtimes. Leaders do not tolerate any forms of bullying. Pupils are confident that, when it happens, staff will deal with bullying quickly and effectively.

What the school should improve

• Until recently, in a small number of subjects, pupils have not had sufficient opportunities to revisit and recall earlier learning. This means that, from time to time, pupils are hindered in building securely on what they have learned already. Leaders should ensure that their recent changes to the curriculum in these subjects are implemented fully so that pupils have enough opportunity to revisit and consolidate earlier learning across the curriculum.
• Some subject leaders are new to their role and they are still building their expertise in supporting teachers to deliver some aspects of the curriculum. This means that, at times, teachers lack the confidence and support to deliver some aspects of curriculums well. Leaders should now ensure that subject leaders have the further training, continued support and time that they need to lead their areas of responsibility successfully.

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