We are a Camden primary school for the 5-11 age range. We also have Nursery provision for 2 and 3 year old children.
There are two classes in each year group, with the exception of Reception and Year 6, where there is one class.
We have a nursery for children aged 3-4 with 39 full-time places. We also have a two-year-old Nursery provision.
Children start school in the year they turn 5 in our Reception class. There is no pre-requisite to have attended our nursery. Application for Reception places are done centrally through the Camden school application system – see this page for more information.
Our most recent full OFSTED report noted:
‘Pupils talk enthusiastically about their learning. They follow a broad curriculum,
which interests them. Their learning is enriched by scientist and artist residencies
and a wide range of other visitors. These experiences are planned to deepen pupils’
interest in and enjoyment of the subjects that they study. Leaders have high
expectations for all, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities
(SEND). Pupils from Nursery to Year 6 progress well through the curriculum.’
‘Leaders plan for pupils with SEND to be fully included in lessons. These pupils’
needs are carefully identified. Adaptations, such as small-group, focused sessions,
help pupils to understand the curriculum content taught.’
Parents and carers of children with SEND gave us feedback during an internal review process of our systems saying that Brecknock Primary School is ‘like home’. They talked about the sense of ‘community’ across the school. They felt that the staff are ‘very visible’ and one parent stated that, ‘…the school attempts to do all you can to fit the children into all activities no matter what their difficulties.’ One parent commented that they felt school, ‘…takes care of my child and listens to my opinions.’ Several parents/carers praised the quality and timeliness of communication – school staff never too busy to make time for a chat and in more formal meetings they felt the level of information was also clear and useful.
One parent stated that, ‘…through parents’ evenings and other meetings the school was really good. I know what he’s good at, what level he is, what he needs next and what we need to improve on. It’s very effective.’ Other parents appreciated the level of accommodation in terms of when meetings were. Another parent liked the level of contact they had with the external professionals working with her child, ‘…being invited to all therapy sessions and meetings is good. We sit together – home and school – working together we plan what to do next. I really appreciate that and know very well the support my son is getting and how it helps him to improve and helps me to support him at home.’
Other parents have stated how their child has made good progress with the provision in place for them. ‘My child used to find school very challenging and did not want to come to school. That has improved so much and he is much happier. He finds work easier and he is making good progress with all the support in place. His speech has improved, his language is much better. His reading is amazing now! Lego therapy helped him with his fine motor skills and with his interaction with peers.’
A parent who has known the school over a number of years and seen more than one of her children come through Brecknock and transition on to secondary school was asked to describe the school as she would to another parent during our review process. She said, ‘Brecknock is a very good school. There is good communication, it’s safe and friendly. It’s a community.’ She then paused for a second, thinking, before adding, ‘It’s home basically! Brecknock is the perfect school!’
A child in Year 4 with SEND told us that he thought the staff at Brecknock were, ‘…kind and helpful.’ He reported that he felt much happier about his learning than when he was younger as he had people to help him. He went on to say, ‘They listen to your side and change things. I’m much better at learning now and much happier. I can do much harder work now!’
