Castle Mead School, located in Trowbridge, Wiltshire, has been rated as good in its recent inspection conducted on March 7 and 8, 2023. The school is recognized for its inclusive environment where positive and respectful relationships between pupils and staff are evident. Both pupils and staff take pride in their school, emphasizing the importance of equality and valuing the opportunity to learn about diverse beliefs and cultures. Pupils express enjoyment in their school experience, highlighting a calm environment where they adhere to rules that promote safety and respect.
During break times, pupils engage in play and reflection, fostering a sense of community. The school has mechanisms in place to address bullying, with pupils feeling confident that any incidents will be resolved by adults. The school encourages pupils to take on roles and responsibilities, such as playground leaders and members of the Children’s Parliament, which enhances their engagement and sense of belonging. Extracurricular activities, including sports clubs, choir, and gardening club, are well-attended, contributing to pupils' overall happiness and safety, as reported by parents.
The curriculum at Castle Mead is ambitious and thoughtfully designed, focusing on essential knowledge and concepts that pupils are expected to learn. The integration of skills across subjects, such as interpreting data in science and mathematics, allows pupils to build on their existing knowledge and apply it in various contexts. Staff members appreciate the professional development opportunities provided by school leaders, which enhance their teaching practices. Assessment methods are varied, enabling teachers to adapt their planning based on pupils' learning needs. However, the improvements made to the quality of education may not yet be fully reflected in published outcomes.
Reading is a central focus of the curriculum, with pupils developing a love for reading through exposure to a wide range of books. The phonics program begins early, ensuring that children’s reading materials align with their learning. While the support for pupils needing extra help with reading is generally effective, there are instances where misunderstandings are not promptly addressed, which can affect reading fluency.
In the early years, staff successfully support children with limited communication skills, helping them develop essential speaking and listening abilities. This foundation allows children to engage enthusiastically with books and songs. The school is also noted for its effective support of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, with parents affirming the successful learning experiences of these pupils.
Castle Mead School offers numerous opportunities for personal development through extracurricular activities and community engagement. Pupils are articulate about their roles in citizenship and appreciate their involvement in local decision-making processes. The school’s curriculum equips pupils for life in modern Britain, emphasizing personal, social, health, and economic education.
Attendance is closely monitored, resulting in high levels of regular attendance among pupils. The leadership team is committed to staff well-being, which fosters a positive working environment. Safeguarding practices are robust, with well-trained staff and effective procedures in place to ensure pupil safety and welfare. The school collaborates with external agencies to provide necessary support for pupils and their families, ensuring that pupils are informed about safety in various situations.
To further improve, the school should focus on enhancing staff expertise in identifying and addressing pupils' misconceptions as they arise, particularly in the early stages of reading. This will help ensure that misunderstandings do not hinder future learning. Overall, Castle Mead School demonstrates a strong commitment to providing a quality education and fostering a supportive community for its pupils.
