Ann Edwards Church of England Primary School, located in South Cerney, Gloucestershire, has recently undergone an inspection on 10 and 11 October 2023. The overall effectiveness of the school has been rated as good, maintaining the same grade from the previous inspection in January 2018. The school provides a supportive and nurturing environment where pupils are happy and attend regularly. Many students join during the academic year, and the school has effective measures in place to help them settle quickly. The school prepares pupils well for transitions, particularly those leaving due to family military deployments or at the end of Year 6, ensuring they are socially and emotionally ready for the next stage of their education.
The quality of education at Ann Edwards is also rated as good. Pupils demonstrate enthusiasm for the various clubs and educational visits offered, and they benefit from a wide range of enrichment experiences, including music performances and outdoor learning sessions. These activities are designed to develop pupils' talents and interests, and their achievements are celebrated in the school's 'gold book.' The curriculum is in place, and pupils can recall subject-specific knowledge well in areas such as art and design, although some wider curriculum subjects are still developing.
Staff at the school maintain high expectations for pupil behavior, and students adhere to the school's values, demonstrating politeness and respect towards one another and adults. The school fosters an environment where pupils learn to care for others, exemplified by the maturity and kindness shown by school prefects. In the early years, children quickly adapt to routines and engage in learning through play, developing essential skills from the outset. They show resilience in physical activities and enjoy collaborative exploration in both indoor and outdoor learning spaces.
The school has recently introduced a new phonics program, with staff receiving appropriate training to ensure effective delivery. Regular checks on pupils' phonics knowledge help identify those needing additional support, and the reading materials align with the phonics being taught. A new reading scheme is in place for pupils who have mastered their phonics, and discussions about class books enhance reading comprehension. The school provides a wide selection of high-quality books for pupils to access.
Despite these strengths, the school recognizes areas for improvement. The ambitious curriculum has not been consistently checked for effective implementation across all subjects. Some learning activities do not build on prior knowledge, leading to gaps in pupils' subject-specific vocabulary and understanding. Additionally, targets in individual education plans for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities do not always align with group and whole-class learning activities, resulting in some pupils not receiving the support they need.
Pupils are taught the importance of respect and safe relationships, developing an appreciation for diversity and understanding the significance of physical and mental health. Fundamental British values are integrated into the curriculum and assemblies, promoting concepts such as democracy, justice, and tolerance. The school has established a positive culture around safeguarding, ensuring that pupils' interests are prioritized.
The school actively monitors attendance, addressing patterns of absence and providing support to families to remove barriers to attendance. This proactive approach has led to improved attendance rates, particularly among pupils with previously low attendance. Governors are engaged and share the ambitions of school leaders, responding to concerns from staff and parents.
In summary, Ann Edwards Church of England Primary School is a good school that provides a supportive and enriching environment for its pupils. While there are areas for improvement, particularly in curriculum implementation and support for pupils with special educational needs, the school demonstrates a commitment to fostering a positive learning experience and ensuring the well-being of all its students.
