Churchfield Church School, located in Highbridge, Somerset, underwent an inspection on September 22 and 23, 2021, and received an overall effectiveness rating of Good. The school has made significant progress since its previous inspection, which rated it as Requires Improvement. The quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision were all rated as Good.
Pupils express enjoyment in attending the school, appreciating the friendly atmosphere and supportive staff. They report a lack of bullying and feel that any friendship issues are resolved promptly by the staff. High expectations from teachers contribute to positive behavior in lessons and throughout the school. The school ensures that all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, are fully included in school activities. Exciting educational trips enhance learning experiences, such as Year 2 pupils visiting a local historical site to learn about its significance.
Reading is a priority at the school, with staff implementing effective strategies to promote literacy across all year groups. Children in Reception and Key Stage 1 are learning to read well, and vocabulary development is emphasized in early years settings. For instance, children in Reception are encouraged to use advanced vocabulary while learning about maps. The curriculum is well-sequenced in most subjects, allowing pupils to build on prior knowledge effectively, particularly in mathematics.
However, there are areas for improvement. In a minority of subjects, pupils do not learn as effectively as in others, and leaders are actively working to address this. The English curriculum supports pupils in revisiting key grammar and texts, fostering imaginative writing. While the school has established a strong curriculum in many areas, some subjects require further development to ensure consistent learning outcomes.
The school has effective systems in place to monitor pupil progress and ensure that all students keep up with the curriculum. Staff utilize information about pupils to inform lesson planning and revisit prior learning to solidify understanding before introducing new topics. Pupils with special educational needs receive tailored support, allowing them to thrive within the school environment. Attendance is also a focus, with leaders fostering strong relationships with parents to emphasize the importance of regular school attendance.
Pupils demonstrate positive attitudes towards learning from an early age, engaging in discussions and collaborative activities. They are respectful and kind to one another, showing attentiveness in lessons and a desire to succeed. The school prepares pupils well for life in modern Britain, teaching them about democracy and encouraging participation in school governance through the school council.
Governance is strong, with governors effectively monitoring the work of school leaders and challenging them to ensure high educational standards. Staff express positive sentiments about their work environment, noting that leaders support their workload and inspire them to excel.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, with leaders vigilant in ensuring the safety and well-being of pupils. However, the recording of safeguarding concerns could be improved to provide a more detailed account of actions taken. Overall, Churchfield Church School is committed to providing a high-quality education and fostering a supportive environment for all its pupils.
