Broadwood Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 1 March 2023

Strong and trusting relationships are the hallmark of this welcoming and inclusive school. Leaders have transformed the school. They make it their priority to get to know the pupils in their care. They do all they can to nurture and support them. Pupils talk with enthusiasm about their learning and the opportunities they receive. This creates a 'buzz' about the school. Pupils know that their teachers want the absolute best for them. They reciprocate this by trying their hardest. Leaders set high expectations for pupils' behaviour. A restorative approach helps them to achieve this. This is paying dividends. The school is calm and orderly. Most lessons are free of disruption. Older pupils talk sensibly about how their behaviour has improved and how they are more considerate of others. Pupils are confident that 'bullying does not happen here'. They learn about the different types of bullying and the importance of telling an adult. Playtimes are lively occasions. Pupils relish the opportunity to play in the extensive grounds. They demonstrate excitement and wonder in their play. Pupils enjoy the wider opportunities on offer. Older pupils are particularly excited about their forthcoming trip to Barcelona. They describe it as being 'the trip of a lifetime'.

What the school should improve

• Previous approaches to the teaching of writing and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic have led to weaknesses in pupils' writing skills. This means that the quality of pupils' writing is variable when writing for different purposes. Leaders should strengthen further the new approach to the teaching of writing so that pupils' outcomes continue to improve and remaining inconsistencies in the quality of writing are ironed out.
• In some subjects, leaders have not mapped out the core concepts clearly. Pupils do not have consistent opportunities to extend their thinking and deepen their understanding. Leaders should address this aspect of curriculum planning so that all pupils receive increasing opportunities to gain a deeper understanding of key concepts in all subjects.

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