Chilmark and Fonthill Bishop Church of England Aided Primary School has recently undergone an inspection, resulting in an overall effectiveness rating of good. The inspection took place on the 13th and 14th of September 2023, marking a significant improvement from the previous inspection, which rated the school as requiring improvement. The school is located in Wiltshire and serves a mixed-gender population of 59 pupils aged between four and eleven years.
The school environment is characterized by happy and safe pupils who enjoy positive relationships with their peers and staff. High expectations are set for all students, encouraging them to excel. Parents and carers express strong satisfaction with the school, noting its commitment to caring for children and fostering their academic success. Pupils demonstrate good behavior and respect towards one another, embodying the school's core values of friendship and kindness. Older students take on leadership roles, supporting younger pupils during lunch and participating in house teams during sports events.
The curriculum offered is broad and logically structured, beginning in the Reception Year and progressing through to Year Six. The school emphasizes the importance of preparing pupils for future success. In the Reception Year, children receive focused instruction aimed at enhancing their communication and language skills, with early reading introduced promptly. Books are carefully selected to align with the phonetic sounds being taught, ensuring that children receive appropriate support.
While the school has made strides in identifying essential knowledge and skills across most subjects, there are still areas where this work is ongoing. In some subjects, pupils do not achieve the same depth of understanding as they do in others. The school is actively working to address this by refining its curriculum to ensure that all pupils acquire the necessary knowledge and skills.
Professional development for teachers has been effectively utilized to enhance teaching quality. Most educators possess the subject knowledge required to deliver the curriculum effectively. Assessment practices are generally strong, allowing teachers to identify and address gaps in pupils' learning. However, there are instances where misconceptions are not corrected swiftly enough, which can hinder student progress.
The school provides robust support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring their needs are accurately identified and met through tailored teaching strategies. The reading culture within the school is vibrant, with pupils enjoying access to a diverse range of books and engaging reading sessions led by teachers.
Pupils exhibit positive attitudes towards learning and quickly adapt to routines, particularly in the Reception Year. The school actively promotes attendance and takes steps to support pupils when needed. Through a well-structured personal, social, and health education program, students learn about relationships and safety, including online safety and emergency preparedness.
Pupils are encouraged to participate in community activities, such as voting for house captains and engaging in charitable fundraising. They also take part in environmental initiatives, such as growing vegetables, fostering a sense of responsibility towards nature.
Staff members express pride in their work at the school, appreciating the consideration shown by leaders regarding their workload and well-being. Parents feel well-informed and supported in their children's education. Governors play an essential role in providing support and challenge, focusing on maintaining a high quality of education.
The school has effective safeguarding arrangements in place, ensuring the safety and well-being of all pupils. Moving forward, the school aims to further refine its curriculum to ensure that all essential knowledge is clearly identified and taught across all subjects, enhancing the overall educational experience for its pupils.
