Ashleworth Church of England Primary School

Ashleworth Church of England Primary School, located in Gloucester, Gloucestershire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on October 7, 2021. The school prides itself on being an inclusive village school where pupils are at the center of its ethos. The school’s motto, “respected and nurtured for uniqueness,” reflects its commitment to fostering an environment where all students can thrive. Leaders at the school maintain high expectations for all pupils, ensuring that they reach their full potential, a sentiment echoed by supportive parents who appreciate the pastoral care provided.

Pupils express enjoyment in attending school, feeling safe and cared for by the staff. They demonstrate politeness, confidence, and maturity, with a strong sense of community where everyone looks out for one another. The school promotes high standards of behavior, and pupils generally behave well during lessons and social times. Instances of bullying are reported to be rare, and when they do occur, staff address them promptly.

The school actively encourages pupils to contribute positively to the community, with strong ties to the local church that enhance their personal development. Leaders organize a variety of activities and visits that broaden pupils’ experiences beyond their immediate environment, which pupils value and recognize as beneficial to their well-being.

In terms of educational quality, Ashleworth Church of England Primary School continues to provide a solid education. All staff share high aspirations for their pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. The leadership of the headteacher is highly regarded, and staff morale is notably high. Reading is prioritized throughout the school, starting from the Reception year, where phonics instruction is emphasized. Leaders closely monitor pupils’ phonics knowledge, ensuring that those who struggle receive additional support to catch up. The school has invested in new books that engage pupils, and staff read to them daily, fostering a love for reading.

Pupils develop into fluent and confident readers, understanding the significance of reading and expressing enthusiasm for it. Teachers effectively deliver a well-structured mathematics curriculum, resulting in high levels of pupil engagement. The curriculum is thoughtfully sequenced, allowing pupils to build a secure understanding of numbers over time. Pupils, including those with special educational needs, demonstrate the ability to apply their knowledge to solve problems, and their mathematical skills are utilized across other subjects.

However, some subjects within the wider curriculum require further development. For instance, in art, teachers lack clarity on the foundational knowledge younger pupils need to progress to more complex concepts. This gap hinders pupils from building on their existing knowledge effectively. Leaders acknowledge the necessity to define key knowledge that pupils should acquire and the timeline for this learning.

Teachers successfully meet the needs of pupils with special educational needs in lessons by breaking learning into manageable steps, allowing for success. Leaders monitor the effectiveness of learning closely, ensuring that pupils with special educational needs thrive in a supportive environment. The school emphasizes the importance of pupils’ wider development, with Christian values of respect, trust, and generosity guiding their work. Staff provide rich opportunities for pupils to embody these values through the wider curriculum, promoting personal development, self-confidence, and well-being.

Governors share the ambition of school leaders and are knowledgeable about the school’s efforts to enhance the curriculum. They have sought external support to improve their accountability measures. Staff appreciate the ongoing support from leaders and governors, knowing their well-being is prioritized.

The school’s safeguarding arrangements are effective, with staff acting in the best interests of pupils. They are vigilant and responsive to concerns, maintaining detailed records of actions taken. Regular training ensures that staff and governors remain focused on pupil welfare and safety. Pupils are educated on how to keep themselves safe in various situations and know whom to approach with concerns. The curriculum also supports their understanding of risk, including online safety.

In summary, Ashleworth Church of England Primary School is a good school that provides a nurturing and inclusive environment for its pupils. While it excels in many areas, there is a need for further development in certain subjects within the wider curriculum to ensure all pupils can build their knowledge systematically over time.