Chapmanslade Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School, located in Westbury, Wiltshire, has been inspected and rated as good across all areas, including overall effectiveness, quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. The inspection took place on 21 and 22 March 2023, and the school has maintained its good rating since the previous inspection in November 2016.
The school environment is characterized by a strong sense of pride among pupils and staff. Parents express overwhelming positivity regarding the care and attention staff provide for each pupil's well-being. Relationships between pupils and adults are warm and respectful, contributing to a safe atmosphere for learning. Pupils adhere to the school rules of being ready, respectful, and safe, and they consistently meet the high expectations set by adults. Their behaviour is commendable, and they are recognized for their achievements through a recognition board. Pupils engage attentively in lessons and produce high-quality work, demonstrating politeness and courtesy. Early years children exhibit cooperative behaviour and take turns, while social interactions during playtime are positive, with pupils enjoying activities like the active wall that promotes fitness.
Pupils have a clear understanding of the difference between falling out and bullying, noting that bullying is rare. They have various channels to communicate concerns, including a worry box, and they trust that adults will help resolve any issues promptly. The school offers a variety of extracurricular clubs and activities, such as musical theatre, cheerleading, and choir, which pupils enjoy and take pride in, especially when representing the school in sports competitions.
The leadership team is new and is providing clarity and direction, driving improvement with determination. With support from the local authority and diocese, leaders are focused on developing key areas of the school, leading to enhancements in the curriculum. They have established a broad and ambitious curriculum, particularly in subjects like mathematics, where essential knowledge is identified and sequenced effectively. This approach ensures that children develop a solid understanding of numbers from an early age, laying a strong foundation for future learning. Support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities is effective, allowing them to learn alongside their peers.
However, there are areas for improvement. In some subjects, essential knowledge has not been clearly identified, which can lead to gaps in pupils' learning. This lack of clarity makes it challenging for teachers to design effective learning experiences and assess pupils' understanding accurately. For instance, in French, some pupils struggle to construct sentences with the vocabulary they have learned. Additionally, while the school has implemented an effective phonics program, some pupils who fall behind do not receive timely support, hindering their progress in reading fluency and confidence.
The personal, social, health, and economic curriculum effectively teaches pupils about being responsible citizens. They learn about tolerance and acceptance, valuing inclusivity within the school community. Pupils are aware of the importance of emotional support and the resources available to them. They also understand how to keep themselves safe, including online safety, through dedicated awareness days.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, with clear procedures in place to ensure pupil safety. Staff are well-trained and attentive to the needs of pupils, reporting any concerns promptly. The school has suitable policies to raise awareness about issues such as sexual harassment and online abuse.
In summary, Chapmanslade Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School is a good school with a positive environment, strong leadership, and effective teaching practices. However, addressing the identified areas for improvement will further enhance the educational experience for all pupils.
