Middlezoy Primary School, located in Bridgwater, Somerset, has recently undergone an inspection on January 24 and 25, 2024, and has been rated as good in overall effectiveness, quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management. This marks a significant improvement from its previous inspection, which rated the school as requiring improvement. The headteacher, Lindsay Hayward, leads the school, which is part of the Preston Primary Academy Trust, overseen by CEO Bernie Green and chaired by Mike Kerrigan.
The school is described as a happy and welcoming environment where pupils have enjoyed making new friends and gaining broader educational experiences since relocating to the Othery Village School site. The curriculum is broad and encourages pupils to strive for their best. Enrichment activities, including museum visits and residential trips, enhance the learning experience. Pupils express enthusiasm for their school life, highlighting their involvement in creative projects with local artists and participation in various extracurricular activities such as country dancing, choir, and tag rugby.
Behaviour at the school is commendable, with pupils adhering to the values of honesty, respect, and trust. They are polite and sociable, benefiting from strong pastoral support provided by staff who serve as positive role models. The relationships between staff and pupils are caring and supportive, fostering a safe environment where pupils feel secure and confident in addressing any issues that arise. Parents have expressed overwhelming positivity about the school, often commenting on the wonderful community feel and the thriving nature of their children.
The school is dedicated to providing the best education for all pupils, with a well-structured curriculum that supports progress, particularly in reading, writing, and mathematics. Regular writing practice enables pupils to produce high-quality work that reflects their learning. Reading is prioritized, with children starting to learn as soon as they enter school. The phonics programme is effective in developing secure reading skills, and additional support is provided for those who struggle, ensuring that all pupils can improve their confidence and fluency in reading.
While the school excels in many areas, there are aspects that require improvement. In some subjects, the curriculum does not clearly outline the essential knowledge that pupils need to acquire, which can hinder their ability to build on prior learning. Additionally, assessment practices in certain subjects do not always identify gaps in knowledge, which can affect pupils' progression through the curriculum. The school provides targeted support for disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they can access the same curriculum as their peers and progress effectively.
Pupils are encouraged to develop their characters and become active citizens, taking on responsibilities such as eco warriors and team captains. They engage with the local community through activities like singing for parishioners and fundraising for charity, which helps them understand their role in contributing to society beyond the school environment. Staff morale is high, with a strong emphasis on well-being and professional development.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. The inspection highlighted the need for the trust to identify key components of knowledge in the curriculum more precisely and to enhance assessment practices to address any gaps in pupils' knowledge. Overall, Middlezoy Primary School demonstrates a commitment to continuous improvement and the well-being of its pupils, making it a positive educational environment.
