A primary school in North Somerset has been described as “welcoming and friendly” as it improved on its former Ofsted rating. St Nicholas Chantry Church of England Primary, in Highdale Avenue, Clevedon, was given a ‘Good’ rating during a recent inspection.
In June 2022, the primary school was rated as ‘Requires Improvement’ after inspectors found the curriculum was not fully developed and record-keeping of safeguarding concerns was not well organised. But during an inspection on October 8 and October 9 the school, which has 329 pupils, was deemed to have improved the educational standard and was rated as Good in every key judgement.
The school was described by Ofsted as being “welcoming and friendly” as pupils learn about the school’s values of ‘create, aspire and nurture’. Inspectors also said staff were “relentless in their ambition” to help pupils thrive and pupils enjoyed coming to school.
The report said: “Staff have high expectations of what pupils can do. Pupils understand and meet these and most have positive attitudes to their learning. They are eager to share their ideas and value the rewards they receive for their positive engagement.
“Pupils speak enthusiastically about how they strengthen their knowledge through visits to places of interest. Beyond the classroom, pupils socialise happily and they understand it is important to treat everyone fairly.
“Pupils take pride in the responsibilities they hold, including being house captains, pupil chaplains and kindness ambassadors. Through these leadership positions, pupils become self-assured and independent and they are confident to express their opinions.”
Since the previous inspection, the report said “arrangements for safeguarding are effective” and no longer a concern to Ofsted. Inspectors said the school identifies and meets the needs of all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities.
The curriculum had been redeveloped and strengthened within the two years since the previous inspection in all year groups, and inspectors found there is clarity over what pupils should learn and in what order.
But in other subjects concerns were raised over the extent to which pupils understand the curriculum they are being taught and checks which staff make on pupils’ knowledge is “not sufficiently precise”. Inspectors also flagged that not all the staff have the training needed to support pupils to reach the intended goals of the curriculum, meaning pupils do not always gain the depth of knowledge needed in some subjects.
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Children who join the school in reception settle into the school successfully and the curriculum allows them to develop in all areas of learning. They develop early mathematical skills and because of the efforts of staff, can “hold high-quality conversations”, broadening their range of vocabulary.
Children learn to read as soon as they start school, as pupils get older they are able to build on their ability to read “accurately and fluently”. St Nicholas Chantry puts in precise support for those who fall behind, meaning they “rapidly” catch up with their peers.
The report said: “The school has established a new behaviour system that sets clear expectations in lessons and around the school. Pupils’ conduct around the school is calm and purposeful, they know what is expected and most behave well.
“Occasionally, pupils become distracted in lessons, but this does not disrupt the learning of others. Pupils find the restorative conversations helpful for reflecting on their behaviour. Pupils show respect in their interactions with staff.
“The provision for personal development is a strength of the school. Pupils have a mature understanding of British values, they know that in a democracy everyone must accept the result, even if they do not agree. They are alert to online risks and know how to keep themselves safe.”
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