Sampford Arundel Community Primary School, located in Somerset, received a positive inspection report in June 2019, highlighting its overall effectiveness as good. The leadership and management of the school are deemed strong, with the headteacher demonstrating a commitment to high aspirations for pupil achievement. Staff members feel well-supported and share the vision for improving educational outcomes. The school has successfully addressed previous inspection recommendations, leading to improvements in teaching and pupil outcomes in core subjects such as reading, writing, and mathematics.
Teachers utilize accurate assessments to tailor learning experiences to meet the needs of their pupils, ensuring that they develop their knowledge and skills effectively. The teaching of phonics is particularly strong, enabling pupils to achieve well in reading from an early age. Support for disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs is well-targeted, resulting in good progress for these groups. The pastoral care provided by the school is exceptional, with staff showing genuine concern for pupils' welfare, fostering a positive and caring environment.
Pupils exhibit exemplary behavior and a positive attitude towards learning. They form strong relationships with both peers and adults, contributing to a welcoming school atmosphere. Attendance is high, and pupils enjoy their time at school. In the early years, children consistently achieve well due to effective support and engaging activities that promote their development. However, there are instances where activities do not fully challenge children to reach their potential.
The curriculum is rich and varied, encouraging a love for learning. Nevertheless, the teaching of the wider curriculum does not consistently match the strong progress seen in core subjects. Parents express overwhelming satisfaction with the school, appreciating the care and consideration shown towards their children.
To further improve, the school aims to enhance the quality of teaching, particularly in mathematics, to ensure that all pupils reach their full potential. Additionally, there is a focus on ensuring that the teaching of the wider curriculum enables pupils to achieve at a level comparable to their progress in reading, writing, and mathematics.
The leadership team is dedicated to driving school improvement, with robust monitoring and evaluation processes in place. Staff members receive targeted training and support, contributing to a positive working environment. The school effectively utilizes additional funding to support pupils with special educational needs and those from disadvantaged backgrounds, ensuring that they make good progress.
Governance is strong, with governors actively engaging in the school’s development and ensuring that safeguarding measures are effective. The school has a strong culture of safeguarding, with staff trained to recognize and respond to potential risks to pupils' safety.
Overall, the inspection report reflects a school that is committed to providing a high-quality education for its pupils, with strong leadership, effective teaching, and a supportive environment that promotes personal development and well-being. The school is well-positioned to continue its journey of improvement, with clear strategies in place to address areas for further development.