Taunton primary described as ‘welcoming and inclusive’ by Ofsted inspectors

A ‘welcoming and inclusive’ school where pupils feel safe – this was among the conclusions of Ofsted inspectors who recently visited St Andrew’s Church School in Taunton.

The 237-pupil school, which describes itself as a ‘family school at the heart of the community’, received particular praise for both the behaviour and attitudes of pupils as well as for the work done in personal development of the children and the early years education on offer.

Inspectors said: “Pupils show positive attitudes to their learning. The majority behave well in lessons and around the school. Pupils make the most of opportunities to take on leadership responsibilities… and they demonstrate one of the school values of wanting to ‘make a difference.”

“Children in Reception Year learn in a vibrant and well thought out environment. The curriculum is ambitious, and they get off to a flying start. The school and trust have delivered subject specific training to staff. This has improved their confidence in delivering the whole curriculum.”

The inspectors, who described the curriculum as ‘broad, balanced and ambitious’  said there were areas for improvement and noted that extra support and training for teachers was now in place. They urged the school to tackle any identified weaknesses and to work to improve outcomes in writing and maths for older children to give them the best platform as they take their next steps into secondary education.

The reported noted that reading is enjoyed by pupils across the school, including children in Reception Year who benefit from daily nursery rhymes, songs, and stories. Inspectors commented positively on some of ways reading is promoted, including pupils learning about three different authors each year, and carefully selected class books.

In early years education and personal development, there was particular praise for the school:

• Children start to learn to read as soon as they join Reception Year. Teaching carefully follows the school’s chosen phonics programme and pupils learn new letters and their corresponding sounds in a logical order. If pupils fall behind, they receive support to catch up quickly.
• Pupils learn an age-appropriate, well planned personal development curriculum. Children in Reception Year develop social skills that allow them to take turns and engage in effective play. They start to understand what it means to be a good friend. As pupils get older, they learn about different types of relationships and how to stay safe online.
• The school helps pupils to develop their independence and resilience through attending residentials.
• Staff receive helpful information about the needs of individual pupils with special educational needs and/or disability (SEND) and they use this to support pupils effectively in the classroom.
• St Andrew’s is a welcoming and inclusive place. Pupils enjoy coming to school. They benefit from warm and nurturing relationships with staff. This helps them to feel safe.

They added that safeguarding arrangements were effective in the school.

The inspectors outlined a three-point plan to further improve the curriculum and pupils’ progress. These included making sure that what the school was doing was resolving the issues, evaluation of school improvement strategies and making sure that all teachers break learning into smaller chunks and check children’s have understood, definitions of subject knowledge and addressing gaps in pupil knowledge.

Headteacher Kaye Frounks said: “Our pupils enjoy coming to school and we are pleased that the inspectors stressed the welcoming and safe atmosphere all the children enjoy. As a staff team, and in partnership with our colleagues in the Bath and Wells Multi Academy Trust (BWMAT), we are focused on bringing about improvements where the inspectors noted they are required while building on the many strengths of our school.”