Batheaston Church School is celebrating a positive Ofsted report which has recognised significant strengths in its Early Years provision and the personal development and wellbeing of pupils.
Inspectors judged both Early Years and Personal Development and Wellbeing to be meeting the Strong Standard, while all other areas of the school successfully met the Expected Standard.
Under Ofsted’s new reporting framework, the Strong Standard indicates that leaders are consistently working above the standard expected of them. The inspection highlighted the school’s welcoming community, high-quality support for pupils and strong culture of care, as well as the work being carried out by leaders to help every child thrive. Safeguarding standards were also found to be met.
A strong start to school
Inspectors were particularly positive about the experiences of children joining the school in Early Years.
The report states, ‘Leaders make sure that children in the early years have a highly positive start to school.’
Children were found to grow quickly in confidence and to be ‘very well prepared for Year 1’, with inspectors highlighting the school’s focus on speech and language development and early reading.
Reading across the school was described as ‘a notable strength’, while pupils were found to achieve as well as their peers nationally.
Personal development praised
Personal development was another key strength, with the report concluding, ‘The personal development provision is a strength of the school.’
Inspectors found that pupils benefit from a wide range of opportunities which encourage them to become active citizens, develop leadership skills and respect others.
The report also highlights the strong sense of community at the school. Older children take on roles as ‘Special Friends’, helping younger pupils and their families settle into school life.
Pupils were found to behave well, demonstrate positive attitudes towards learning and understand what is expected of them. Bullying was described as rare and not tolerated.
Inspectors also praised the school’s broad curriculum and its approach to inclusion, with leaders effectively identifying barriers to learning and wellbeing and making sure pupils receive appropriate support.
‘A special place to learn’
Sally Jefferies, Executive Headteacher at Batheaston Church School, said, “We are delighted that Ofsted has recognised the many strengths that make Batheaston Church School such a special place to learn. The Strong Standard judgements for both Early Years and Personal Development and Wellbeing reflect the passion, commitment and care shown by our staff every day.
“We were particularly pleased that inspectors recognised the positive start children receive when they join our school, the strong relationships across our community and the extensive opportunities pupils have to develop confidence, character and leadership skills.”
Nikki Edwards, Chief Executive Officer of Bath & Wells Multi Academy Trust, added, “This is a very positive report which reflects the strong culture, ambition and care that exists across Batheaston Church School. The recognition of Strong Standards in both Early Years and Personal Development and Wellbeing is especially pleasing and highlights the impact of the school’s work in supporting the whole child.”
Inspectors also found parents to be highly positive about the school, with families praising the happiness of their children and the dedication of staff.
