Baltonsborough Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School, located in Glastonbury, Somerset, was inspected on November 15 and 16, 2023. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as requiring improvement, with specific areas of strength and weakness identified. The quality of education was also deemed to require improvement, while behavior and attitudes, personal development, and early years provision were rated as good.
The school has a clear mission to support all pupils in achieving success, and recent efforts have been made to enhance the curriculum. However, the impact of these changes is still in the early stages, and pupils are not yet building their knowledge effectively across all subjects. The school emphasizes mental health and well-being, with pupils understanding how to seek support and feeling safe and happy in their environment.
Pupils engage in various extracurricular activities, including music and clubs, which contribute positively to their school experience. The school has identified weaknesses in its previous curriculum and is taking steps to address these issues. While the reading curriculum is well-defined, allowing pupils to build on prior knowledge, other subjects lack clarity regarding essential knowledge that pupils need to learn. This gap results in pupils struggling to retain information and develop a comprehensive understanding of the curriculum.
In the early years, the curriculum is well-structured, with a focus on essential vocabulary and knowledge. Children progress effectively, learning phonics from the start of Reception, although some staff require further training to deliver the phonics program consistently. Regular assessments help identify children needing additional support, ensuring they can keep up with their peers.
Despite the strengths in early years provision, challenges remain in other subjects, where staff do not consistently check pupils' understanding of prior learning. This oversight contributes to difficulties in recalling previously taught material. The school is encouraged to implement strategies that allow for the revisiting of prior knowledge to enhance long-term retention.
The school has effective systems in place for identifying and supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities. Learning plans are tailored to address specific needs, and the school collaborates with external agencies to provide necessary support. However, limitations in the curriculum hinder the achievement of these pupils.
Pupils exhibit positive attitudes towards learning, and attendance has improved due to the school's engagement with parents and individualized support. The school has developed a comprehensive approach to personal development, teaching pupils about healthy relationships and tolerance, which prepares them for life in modern Britain. Pupils enjoy educational trips that enhance their learning experiences.
The new headteacher has made significant strides in driving school improvement, particularly regarding the curriculum. Leaders and governors acknowledge the need for further development and have sought external advice to guide their efforts. Staff appreciate being consulted on changes, fostering a collaborative environment.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, ensuring the safety and well-being of all pupils. The leadership of subjects requires further development to address curriculum weaknesses swiftly. The school must clearly define the essential knowledge it wants pupils to learn and ensure that staff regularly recap previous learning to deepen understanding.
Additionally, staff training in the phonics program must be prioritized to ensure all pupils achieve their potential in early reading and writing. Overall, while Baltonsborough Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School has made progress in certain areas, there are still significant improvements needed in curriculum implementation and staff development to enhance the educational experience for all pupils.