Ash Church of England Primary School, located in Martock, Somerset, has recently undergone an inspection on the 20th and 21st of February 2024. The overall effectiveness of the school has been rated as good, reflecting significant improvements since the previous inspection, which had rated it as requiring improvement. The school demonstrates a strong commitment to providing a high-quality education, with good ratings across various aspects including the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision.
Pupils at Ash Primary School arrive eager to learn and are motivated by the high expectations set by the school. They engage enthusiastically in their studies, discussing topics such as electricity in science and the celebrations of different religions. The school fosters a positive environment where pupils behave well, showing politeness and friendliness. They learn the importance of gratitude through activities like writing thank-you notes, which are shared in assemblies. The school promotes teamwork through a reward system that encourages collaboration among students.
The school encourages pupils to take active roles within the school and the wider community. They participate in various initiatives, such as becoming buddies for younger pupils, serving as librarians, and taking part in community projects like litter-picking and promoting traffic safety. These activities help pupils understand their civic responsibilities and the importance of community involvement. The school also emphasizes the value of diversity and inclusion, teaching pupils to appreciate differences and challenge prejudice.
The curriculum at Ash Primary School is ambitious, with a focus on essential knowledge and skills across most subjects. This structured approach allows pupils to build their understanding cumulatively. For instance, in the Reception Year, pupils develop a solid foundation in number concepts, preparing them for more complex mathematical ideas in later years. However, there are some subjects where the depth of understanding is not as strong, primarily due to a lack of clarity in identifying what pupils should learn and when. This gap can limit opportunities for personal development in those subjects.
Teachers at the school possess the necessary subject knowledge to present new information effectively, which aids pupils in retaining what they learn. The early reading curriculum is particularly successful, with pupils reading books that align with the sounds they are learning, enhancing their reading fluency and confidence. The school also celebrates literature by highlighting admired authors and carefully selecting books for pupils.
Assessment practices are generally effective, allowing teachers to check pupils' understanding and address any misconceptions. However, in areas where the curriculum is less clearly defined, identifying gaps in pupils' knowledge can be challenging. The school is proactive in identifying pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring that teaching is adapted to meet their needs, allowing them to learn confidently.
The atmosphere at Ash Primary School is calm and orderly, with pupils feeling safe and comfortable sharing their concerns with staff. Attendance is good, and the school takes prompt action to support any pupils with attendance issues. The personal and social education program is appropriate, teaching pupils about mental and physical health and healthy relationships. The curriculum is adapted to address current issues, ensuring pupils learn how to stay safe, including online safety.
Pupils also learn about democracy and the rule of law, participating in activities like mock trials and voting for school councillors. While the school offers various clubs and activities to nurture pupils' talents and interests, participation, particularly among disadvantaged pupils, is not consistently strong.
Governors play an effective role in supporting and challenging school leaders, ensuring resources are well managed and statutory requirements are met. Professional development is utilized to continually enhance the quality of education provided to pupils.
In summary, Ash Church of England Primary School has made commendable progress since its last inspection, achieving a good rating across multiple areas. The school provides a supportive and engaging environment for pupils, fostering their academic and personal development. However, there are still areas for improvement, particularly in ensuring a consistent depth of understanding across all subjects and enhancing opportunities for personal development through the curriculum and extracurricular activities.
