Ofsted 

OUR LATEST REPORT

WHAT OFSTED SAY ABOUT BRACKEN EDGE

BRACKEN EDGE CURRICULUM

Leaders have developed an ambitious curriculum that brings learning to life for pupils. When learning about Windrush, pupils find out about Gertrude Paul, the first black headteacher in Leeds. Leaders have made sure that the curriculum reflects the diverse community that the school serves. Adults have high aspirations for all pupils in the school. The curriculum supports pupils to achieve these aspirations.

SCHOOL LIFE

Leaders and staff show pupils how to treat everyone with kindness and respect. Pupils understand differences and know that everyone deserves to be respected. One pupil
summed this up saying ‘we welcome everyone here’. Staff provide pupils with many opportunities that help to broaden their experiences. Leaders make the most of the outdoor space and woodland area. All pupils take part in bushcraft activities. This significantly enriches pupils’ experience. Staff also make sure that pupils have lots of opportunities to take part in after-school clubs. These include singing, cheerleading and cricket. If pupils cannot attend, leaders find out why. They try to remove any barriers so that all pupils have the chance to take part.

Leaders give pupils many opportunities to explore their interests. Pupils enjoy looking after the school’s chickens and the goats. Sports leaders support their school by helping younger pupils during sports day. These opportunities are helping pupils to become citizens of the future. They are keen to serve their school and the community. Leaders have created a truly inclusive culture in which all pupils can flourish.

TEACHING AND LEARNING

Leaders have made reading a priority. They have made sure that all staff have the training that they need to help pupils to become fluent readers. In early years, children learn phonics from the start. Adults share carefully chosen stories that inspire children to explore the many books in their classroom. Most children are becoming confident readers. Some pupils struggle to read and some have missed out on phonics teaching before joining the school. Leaders make sure that these pupils receive extra tuition to help them to catch up. Leaders celebrate reading. They make sure that the books that pupils read reflect the diversity within the school. Some pupils see reading as a refuge. They love to get lost in the characters and the stories. Pupils thoroughly enjoy reading.

Leaders welcome a very high number of pupils at different times of the year who are new to the school. Staff check what these pupils know and can do. Teachers make sure that each pupil receives the right support for them. Pupils who are new to English receive highly tailored support that helps them to master English rapidly.

EARLY YEARS