Alexander Hosea Primary School, located in Wickwar, South Gloucestershire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on June 6 and 7, 2023. The school fosters a calm and purposeful environment where pupils enjoy learning and feel safe. The staff at Alexander Hosea Primary School build caring relationships with students, demonstrating a strong commitment to understanding and addressing their needs. The school promotes values such as kindness, respect, and responsibility, which are reflected in the behavior of the pupils. They are polite and considerate towards each other and the staff, contributing to a positive school culture.
The leadership team emphasizes the importance of emotional and social well-being, which is integral to the learning process. Pupils report that this focus helps them develop healthy relationships and respect for one another. Parents express appreciation for the staff's dedication to enhancing their children's learning experiences, highlighting the inclusive and supportive atmosphere of the school. The school prioritizes reading, implementing a rigorous phonics program that ensures children learn to read early in their education. Teachers are attentive to the needs of pupils who struggle with reading, providing them with additional support to help them succeed.
The curriculum at Alexander Hosea Primary School is ambitious and broad, designed to engage pupils and prepare them for the modern world. It is well-structured in most subjects, allowing students to explore important themes, including global issues. However, some subjects are still undergoing curriculum redesign, which means that pupils may not achieve the same depth of understanding in these areas as they do in others. Teachers are passionate about their subjects and receive training to enhance their subject knowledge. They effectively help pupils connect prior learning to new concepts, fostering a deeper understanding of the material.
While the school maintains a calm and orderly environment, there are areas for improvement. In some foundation subjects, assessment practices are not consistently effective, which can lead to gaps in pupils' learning. Subject leaders are encouraged to monitor the quality of education in their areas to ensure that all pupils meet the intended learning outcomes. The early years of education at the school are particularly strong, with children demonstrating excellent listening skills and the ability to follow routines. Staff engage with children during imaginative play, which supports their language development.
The school is committed to supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities. Leaders work closely with external advisors and parents to ensure that these pupils receive the necessary teaching and pastoral support. The curriculum is designed to be ambitious for all pupils, allowing them to make good progress alongside their peers. Pupils are encouraged to take on responsibilities, such as serving as school councillors or house captains, which helps them understand the importance of teamwork and helping one another.
Governors play an active role in the school, demonstrating a strong understanding of its operations and holding leaders accountable for their actions. They ask challenging questions to ensure that the school continues to improve. The leadership team has fostered a positive culture among staff, who report high morale and feel well-supported in their roles. The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with staff receiving up-to-date training and maintaining detailed records to identify potential concerns. Leaders ensure that recruitment checks are thorough and that safeguarding policies are regularly reviewed.
Overall, Alexander Hosea Primary School continues to provide a good education for its pupils, with a strong emphasis on reading and a well-structured curriculum. While there are areas for development, particularly in some foundation subjects, the school is committed to ensuring that all pupils receive a high-quality education and the support they need to thrive. The positive relationships among staff, pupils, and parents contribute to a nurturing environment where children can flourish academically and emotionally.
