Broadwindsor Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School, located in Beaminster, Dorset, underwent an inspection on November 14 and 15, 2023. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as requiring improvement, with specific areas of focus including the quality of education, leadership and management, and behavior and attitudes. The school has a total of 93 pupils enrolled, ranging from ages four to eleven, and is governed by a dedicated body that includes a chair and headteacher.
Most pupils express enjoyment in attending the school, which fosters a welcoming environment and prioritizes mental well-being. The sense of community is strong, with pupils participating in assemblies and engaging in activities that promote unity. Older students develop critical thinking skills and engage in community service, such as performing at local events and fundraising for charities. The school offers various extracurricular activities, including sports and clubs, which help pupils develop leadership skills.
The early years provision is recognized as good, with strong relationships between staff and children. The curriculum in Reception effectively meets the needs of young learners, allowing them to develop foundational skills in reading, writing, and speaking. However, in other year groups, while many pupils acquire basic knowledge, some underachieve due to a lack of ambitious teaching. This has resulted in some pupils struggling to concentrate when expectations are not sufficiently high.
Leaders and governors are actively working to address the school's weaknesses, with plans already showing positive impacts, particularly in history and geography. However, the curriculum in subjects like English, art, and design and technology is still being developed to ensure it meets the necessary knowledge requirements. The early years curriculum is successful, but there are gaps in phonics knowledge for some pupils in key stage one, which can hinder their progress in writing.
Assessment systems are in place to track pupil progress, but teaching does not consistently address gaps in knowledge or misconceptions. In mathematics, for instance, pupils may not receive timely support when they encounter difficulties, which can impede their learning. The school provides support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, but the teaching for these pupils is not always precise enough to ensure effective learning across the curriculum.
Behavior in the classroom has improved due to new strategies being implemented, although there are still instances of off-task behavior when pupils finish their work early. The curriculum promotes good citizenship and personal safety, but the school lacks sufficient oversight of behavior incidents during social times, leading to unresolved issues.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, ensuring that pupils are protected and supported. To improve, the school must ensure that all subject curriculums are ambitious and provide the depth of knowledge required for pupils to succeed. The implementation of the English curriculum needs to be strengthened to build on prior learning effectively. Additionally, there should be better oversight of curriculum implementation and school policies to maximize learning time and enhance the overall experience for pupils during social interactions. The school is committed to continuous improvement and is taking steps to address these challenges.
