Pupils at Ashill Primary School ‘thrive’ due to high expectations, ‘good’ Ofsted report says

A primary school which is “at the heart of the community” is celebrating after inspectors rated it as ‘good’.

Ashill Voluntary Controlled Primary School has maintained its ‘good’ Ofsted grade following an inspection on September 19 and 20.

In addition to its overall effectiveness rating, it was described as ‘good’ for its quality of education, behaviour and attitudes and early years provision, and ‘outstanding’ for its personal development and leadership and management.

In the report, inspectors said: “This is a school at the heart of the community and where the community is at the heart of the school.

“Pupils love coming to the school. They describe the school as one big family.

“Pupils and the wider community appreciate the care and support they receive from all the adults working at the school.”

It adds that youngsters “thrive” due to the high expectations and quality of care they receive.

Meanwhile, they enjoy an “active and dynamic” curriculum, and learning is memorable, fun and exciting.

“The curriculum is adapted to meet pupils’ needs and interests. They are inspired to ask questions, discover new skills and talents and approach new learning with confidence,” the report says.

Pupils are also “reflective”, valuing and acting upon feedback they receive from peers.

“Curriculum leaders have strong subject knowledge and a passion for their subjects,” it adds.

“They have clear actions they are working on to further develop and improve the curriculum."

To improve, inspectors said that, while the school has identified the core knowledge that pupils will learn across most subjects, in others it is “still in development”.

In these, it is “less clear” how youngsters will build on what they already know to help them understand more complex ideas, the report says.

Head teacher Steve Creasey said the team felt the report was “such a genuine reflection” of the dedication of everyone involved with the school.

“We’re absolutely delighted at the outcome of our recent inspection,” he said.

“We feel it’s such a genuine reflection of how dedicated the children, staff and parents are in ensuring that our pupils are able to thrive and for the school to continue to be at the heart of the community”