West Ashton Church of England Primary School, located in Trowbridge, Wiltshire, has recently undergone an inspection on November 14 and 15, 2023. The school has received an overall effectiveness rating of good, reflecting significant improvements since its previous inspection, which was rated as requiring improvement. The headteacher, Alex Blake-Thwaite, leads the school, which is part of the Acorn Education Trust, overseen by CEO Sara Edwards and chaired by David Middleton.
The school fosters a positive environment where pupils are encouraged to embody the vision of shining like stars in all their endeavors. The relationships between staff and students are characterized by warmth and positivity, contributing to a safe and happy atmosphere for learning. Pupils demonstrate politeness, kindness, and respect towards one another and adults, which is indicative of the high expectations set by the school regarding behavior and attitudes. The school promotes inclusion, with pupils expressing that they feel treated fairly and equally, with no instances of discrimination reported.
The curriculum at West Ashton is broad and balanced, designed to engage pupils and support their learning effectively. The school has established clear learning objectives from Nursery onwards, focusing on essential skills such as communication and language. Teachers are well-prepared and knowledgeable about the curriculum, enabling pupils to build their knowledge progressively. For instance, older pupils apply their understanding of multiplication to solve problems involving fractions, demonstrating their grasp of mathematical concepts.
Despite these strengths, the school acknowledges areas for improvement. Some misconceptions in certain subjects are not addressed promptly, leading to gaps in pupils' knowledge. For example, during a design and technology project, pupils struggled to recall seasonal fruits and vegetables, indicating a need for better retention of information. Additionally, while the intended curriculum is reflected in pupils' work, the presentation does not always meet the school's ambitious standards, although efforts are being made to address this.
Reading is a significant focus at the school, with children developing a love for stories from an early age. In Nursery, children learn stories by heart and engage in role play to enhance their storytelling skills. The phonics program is effectively implemented, ensuring that pupils learn to read confidently. Support is provided for those who require additional help, and pupils express enjoyment in reading and participating in daily story time.
The school is committed to inclusivity, ensuring that pupils with special educational needs and disabilities receive appropriate support. Behaviour management strategies are in place to help pupils who may struggle, ensuring that their challenges do not disrupt the learning environment for others. Pupils are educated about respect, safe relationships, and the potential dangers of negative influences, including online safety.
West Ashton Church of England Primary School also emphasizes spiritual and moral development, encouraging pupils to reflect on their experiences and the world around them. The governance structure, including trustees and the academy council, effectively holds the school accountable, while staff appreciate the support for their well-being and professional development.
In summary, West Ashton Church of England Primary School has made commendable progress in providing a quality education, fostering positive relationships, and promoting inclusivity. While there are areas for growth, particularly in addressing misconceptions and enhancing the presentation of work, the school is on a positive trajectory, ensuring that pupils are well-prepared for their future endeavors.
