Herne View Church of England Primary School, located in Ilminster, Somerset, was inspected on 29 and 30 November 2022. The school received an overall effectiveness rating of Good, maintaining a strong educational standard despite a previous Outstanding rating from 13 years ago. The inspection highlighted the school's commitment to providing a quality education, with leaders and teachers demonstrating high expectations for all pupils. The school has successfully adapted to changes in its age range, now accommodating Year 5 and Year 6 pupils, and has implemented a coherent and well-sequenced curriculum that prepares students effectively for their educational journey.
Pupils at Herne View take pride in their school, exhibiting a sense of belonging and understanding the Christian values of care, respect, and friendship. They follow orderly routines, which contribute to a calm learning environment where they can focus on their studies without disruption. The school has established a strong pastoral support system, ensuring that pupils feel safe and valued. Instances of bullying are reported to be rare, and pupils appreciate the availability of staff to address any concerns they may have. This supportive atmosphere fosters emotional resilience, allowing pupils to quickly return to learning after any setbacks.
The curriculum is designed to ensure that pupils acquire essential knowledge across various subjects. Leaders have identified the key knowledge that pupils should learn, and the early years curriculum has been adapted to address the impacts of the pandemic. This includes a wider range of activities aimed at enhancing physical development, which is crucial for early writing skills. The school prioritizes reading, with effective phonics instruction enabling pupils to become fluent readers. Support is provided for those who struggle, ensuring that all pupils can progress in their reading skills.
While the school excels in many areas, there are some aspects that require improvement. Subject leadership is developing, but in a few subjects, it is not as robust, leading to inconsistencies in how the curriculum is implemented. This can result in some pupils not acquiring the necessary knowledge to learn effectively. Additionally, while the personal development curriculum is sequenced, leaders have not thoroughly checked its effectiveness, resulting in some pupils lacking a secure understanding of important concepts.
The safeguarding arrangements at Herne View are effective, with leaders knowing their pupils and families well. They collaborate with various agencies to provide necessary support and ensure that pupils are safe. Staff are trained in safeguarding procedures, and there are clear protocols for reporting concerns. Pupils are educated about online safety and trust that adults will listen to their worries.
To enhance the quality of education further, senior leaders should ensure that subject leaders have a clear oversight of curriculum implementation across all areas. Additionally, leaders need to verify that the personal development curriculum is effectively delivered, ensuring that pupils retain and understand the intended learning outcomes. Overall, Herne View Church of England Primary School demonstrates a strong commitment to providing a supportive and effective educational environment for its pupils, with clear pathways for continued improvement.
