A recent inspection at a school in North Somerset has revealed “widespread failings in the safeguarding of pupils” according to Ofsted. During an inspection in October, Kewstoke Primary School was found to have put “some pupils at potential risk of harm” and governors to have not carried out their duties.
The inspection of the primary school, located north of Weston-super-Mare, was undertaken on October 15 and October 16. The school had previously been rated as ‘Good’ in 2018 but the report shows a mixed range of ratings.
Whilst an overall judgement was not given, the quality of education, personal development and early years provision were all deemed to be ‘Good’ at the 74-pupil school. However, the behaviour and attitudes key judgement was rated as ‘Requires Improvement’ and the leadership and management deemed ‘Inadequate’.
Inspector said that although pupils are happy in school, at times pupils’ attitudes to learning are less positive and the school is in the process of developing a new behaviour policy. This is not applied well by staff meaning that learning is disrupted by some pupils.
The report added: “Staff are ambitious for pupils to succeed. Pupils typically learn and achieve well and most are ready for the next stage of their education. Pupils benefit from a range of additional opportunities.
“Many learn to play instruments such as the recorder or saxophone. Clubs such as gymnastics, multi-sport events and crafts help pupils develop their interests. However, too many pupils miss out on essential learning and enrichment experiences due to persistently high levels of absence.”
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“Widespread failings in the safeguarding of pupils”
The report said: “The arrangements for safeguarding are not effective. The safeguarding culture is weak. The systems to keep pupils safe are not effective. There are widespread failings in the safeguarding of pupils.
“Governors have not carried out their roles as they should, they do not have enough knowledge to check that safeguarding systems are working. Governors do not fulfil their statutory responsibilities by ensuring that the school’s safeguarding policy is understood and implemented consistently by all adults. Governors have not ensured that their safeguarding and safer recruitment systems are as thorough as they should be and some staff do not have up-to-date training on aspects of safeguarding.
“Pupils learn how to stay safe both online and offline, they are confident that adults in the school will help them if they need it. Staff know how to report safeguarding concerns in a timely manner. However, the recording of such concerns is ineffective.
“The school does not review safeguarding records with sufficient rigour. As a result, the school does not have sufficient oversight of safeguarding. It cannot be assured that suitable actions have been taken to keep pupils safe. It also means that opportunities to systematically identify or address any patterns or trends are missed.
“The school does not routinely share information and actively seek expert advice when it should. In some cases, the school has not taken appropriate action when concerns have been reported to them. This has left some pupils at potential risk of harm. Consequently, the school has failed to spot and act upon serious and significant concerns.”
What is the curriculum and the school like?
The curriculum was described by inspectors as “broad and balanced”. It identifies the key knowledge and the curriculum is carefully ordered across all years of the school. However, in some subjects staff lack the confidence to teach as well as in other subjects and assessment checks are not used, meaning some pupils develop gaps in their knowledge.
Kewstoke Primary School was praised for identifying the additional needs of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) “quickly and accurately”, meaning most pupils with SEND learn well in established subjects and staff adapt the delivery of the curriculum. Reading is prioritised at an early level and has become a crucial part of the curriculum.
Pupils in the early years engage fully in learning and demonstrate “high levels of curiosity, independence and enjoyment”. Older pupils’ attitudes to learning are “not as positive” and some staff do not set high expectations. The school does not track incidents of poor behaviour well enough and this means the school struggles to see where improvements are needed.
The report said: “The school is determined to reduce the high rates of persistent absence. Recently, expectations have been raised and there are early signs of improvement. However, persistent absence remains high for some groups of pupils such as those who are disadvantaged.
“The school engages well with staff. Staff appreciate the steps that current leaders have taken to reduce their workload and improve their well-being. Consequently, staff feel valued and appreciated.
“More recently, the school has strengthened its work to ensure that it is better aware of the shortfalls in its provision, including that related to safeguarding. However, the governing body has not carried out its role effectively. The level of challenge offered by governors is not holding the school fully to account for pupils’ safety, attitudes to learning or attendance and governors lack the expertise that they need to fulfil their roles well.”
“Accept there is more to be done”
A new interim Chair of Governors has been put in place at the school in order to implement the recommendations of the inspectors. Leoni-fay Webb, Interim Chair of Governors at Kewstoke Primary School, said: “Following the two-day Ofsted visit, I have worked with our new interim head to make huge improvements in the processes and procedures used in the school. Many of the recommendations Ofsted made during our two-day visit on October 15 and 16 have already been implemented with the remainder in process of being implemented.
“We have taken on board the criticisms of the Governing board and have taken the opportunity to fill our board’s vacancies with new members who have a strong background in safeguarding and behaviour management. We are so proud of the three ‘good’ gradings that we did achieve in quality of education, personal development and EYFS. We are proud of all of our teaching staff at Kewstoke Primary School and their determination to give the children the best education through a challenging few years has shone through in the report.”
Cllr Catherine Gibbons, executive member for children’s services, families and life-long learning at North Somerset Council said: “We’re proud of Kewstoke Primary School’s achievement in receiving a good outcome by inspectors in a number of key areas and accept there is more to be done. The school and governors have already implemented a number of changes to address inspector’s feedback. We’ll continue working closely with the school to ensure to ensure it delivers the best outcomes for children as they continue along their educational journey.”
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