East Brent Church of England First School Review 2026: Small first school, big on nurture, routines, and early reading

For this review, the performance picture is necessarily described with care because the contains no published primary outcomes for the school (for example, combined expected standard in reading, writing and mathematics is not supplied, and the school is not ranked in the primary table). That means there are no FindMySchool ranking statements to report for this school in 2026.

What can be said, grounded in official evidence, is about curriculum intent and the quality of implementation in the early stages. The March 2025 Ofsted report describes a broad and ambitious curriculum that begins in the early years, sets out key knowledge clearly, and is supported by ongoing staff training through the school and trust. It also highlights prioritisation of reading, writing, and key mathematical facts, with strong subject knowledge and clear explanations from staff, and particularly specific early practice in Reception around letter formation and counting reliably.

For parents, the implication is straightforward: this is a school where the foundations, phonics, handwriting habits, number sense, and early vocabulary are likely to be treated as the main job, not as an add-on. That approach tends to suit children who benefit from predictable routines and clear, incremental teaching, and it can also be helpful for children who start school needing confidence with attention and self-regulation.

The curriculum is described as inquiry-led in the school’s published church-school documentation, and SIAMS notes its role in motivating pupils’ love of learning, including the use of class “floor books” to capture learning journeys and reflections. In practice, inquiry-led teaching in a first school works best when it is paired with explicit instruction in early literacy and numeracy. The Ofsted narrative suggests that pairing is in place: core skills are taught directly and carefully, while wider curriculum subjects continue to be developed, including assessment approaches in some areas that are still bedding in.

Early years provision includes an on-site pre-school for two to four year olds, with adults supporting children to play together and build independence from the start. For families considering the nursery-to-Reception pathway, the main benefit is continuity. Children learn the expectations of the setting, staff get to know children well, and transitions can be handled with less disruption than moving between separate providers.

In Church of England schools, Religious Education and collective worship sit alongside the rest of the curriculum. SIAMS notes that RE is valued and supported through leadership and training, with Christianity central and also units on other worldviews, while also identifying development points around deepening understanding of diversity and embedding planned spiritual development more consistently across the inquiry curriculum. For parents, that reads as a school that is confident about its Christian identity, while also working on helping pupils understand the wider world.

Because this is a first school with pupils up to age 9, the key transition is into middle school. Somerset’s own school information notes that pupils usually move on to Hugh Sexey Middle School at Blackford, or Fairlands Middle School at Cheddar, and that school transport options can apply, sometimes with a charge depending on catchment.

The implication is that the “next school” conversation starts earlier than it would for an 11-plus primary. Families should think about travel time and after-school logistics for the Year 5 move, particularly if siblings are at different settings or if parents work outside the village.

Admissions for Reception entry are handled through the Common Application Form route via your home local authority, as the school’s admissions page sets out. For families living in Somerset, Somerset Council coordinates the primary admissions timetable and deadlines.

For September 2026 entry, Somerset Council’s published guide states:

• Closing date for applications: 15 January 2026

• Outcomes issued: 16 April 2026

• Closing date for exceptional circumstances and supplementary information: 2 February 2026

• Closing date for appeals (for those notified on 16 April 2026): 18 May 2026

Demand, based on for the Reception entry route, indicates the school is oversubscribed, with 15 applications for 8 offers and 1.88. applications per place That is enough to make admission competitive in a small school, even without a distance benchmark being provided for the last allocation year.

The strongest consistent signal across the official sources is wellbeing through routines, belonging, and adult attentiveness. Ofsted’s description includes the early years emphasis on learning to play together and work independently, and it notes parents and carers were overwhelmingly positive about the school’s work at the time of inspection.

Safeguarding is the non-negotiable baseline for any shortlist. The March 2025 Ofsted report states: The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

SIAMS adds more texture about how wellbeing is handled day to day: calm and respectful expectations, times of stillness, and tools such as “zones of regulation” to help pupils understand feelings and behaviour choices. For parents of younger children who need explicit help with emotional regulation, that kind of shared language can be a real practical advantage.

A small first school can either feel limited after 3.25pm or surprisingly busy. Here, the evidence points to the latter. Ofsted notes that many pupils attend after-school clubs and specifically names circus skills, gymnastics, and football as favourites.

The Christian ethos also feeds into enrichment and service. SIAMS mentions a wide offer of clubs, wraparound care and activities, along with opportunities for responsibility such as eco committee and digital leaders, plus pupils acting as buddies and taking part in community activities like litter picking. For families, the implication is a setting where confidence is built through doing, taking responsibility, and being seen as capable, even at a young age.

This is a state school with no tuition fees.

The school day is published as 8.55am to 3.25pm.

Wraparound care is available and, unusually, the published information is specific about hours and pricing. Sessions include breakfast and after-school options, with extended times listed as 7.45am to 9.00am and up to 5.15pm Monday to Thursday (Friday to 4.30pm). Published hourly rates are £6.25 to £6.60 depending on the session.

Because nursery provision is on-site for ages two to four, families should check the pre-school page for session structures and eligibility for government-funded early education hours. Nursery fee specifics should be confirmed directly via the school’s official information, and families should also check the latest funding guidance for their circumstances.

• Very small cohorts mean competition can be real. The supplied admissions data for the Reception route shows 15 applications for 8 offers, an oversubscribed picture for a small first school. For some families, that makes early planning important.

• Assessment in some foundation subjects is still developing. The March 2025 Ofsted report flags assessment development in some wider curriculum subjects. This is not unusual, but parents who prioritise detailed reporting across every subject may want to ask how progress is tracked beyond reading, writing, and mathematics.

• The transition to middle school comes earlier than many families expect. Pupils usually move on at age 9, and Somerset’s school information highlights typical next schools and potential transport arrangements. Families should consider travel and wraparound logistics for the Year 5 move.

• Faith identity is real, not superficial. The school’s Christian vision and worship life are central features. Families who prefer a fully non-faith setting should weigh whether this approach suits them.

This is a small, village first school that puts nurture, routines, and early skill-building at the centre, with evidence of a carefully structured curriculum and a strong emphasis on pupils’ wider development. The most recent official reviews present a consistent picture of calm expectations, accessible enrichment, and effective safeguarding.

Best suited to families who want a Church of England ethos, a close community feel, and a steady start from pre-school through to Year 4, and who are comfortable planning early for a middle-school transition at age 9.