Puriton Primary School, located in Bridgwater, Somerset, has been rated as good in its recent inspection conducted on May 23 and 24, 2023. The school provides a supportive and inclusive environment where pupils feel proud to attend. They express enjoyment in their learning experiences, highlighting that the school teaches them valuable life lessons and helps them make informed decisions. The leadership at Puriton Primary School fosters curiosity and confidence among students, preparing them well for their future educational journeys.
The school promotes a culture of diversity and inclusivity, with pupils actively condemning discrimination and embracing the principle of treating others as they wish to be treated. Students contribute to their community through various roles, such as digital leaders and eco-warriors, which enhances their sense of belonging. The school offers a variety of sporting and creative clubs, allowing pupils to explore new skills and interests. Staff members recognize and celebrate individual achievements outside of school, showcasing these talents during assemblies. Educational trips and workshops further enrich the learning experience, as evidenced by pupils recalling a workshop on Ancient Egypt that deepened their understanding of the subject.
Behaviour management at Puriton Primary School is effective, with staff teaching pupils about the implications of bullying and fostering positive relationships. Instances of bullying are rare, and parents feel confident that any issues are addressed promptly by school leaders. The curriculum has been revamped by new leaders to ensure it is ambitious and progressive, catering for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. This inclusive approach ensures that every student has access to the full curriculum, equipping them with the necessary knowledge for future success.
Teachers have received support to enhance their expertise in delivering the curriculum, which has led to increased confidence in their teaching methods. Pupils are encouraged to revisit and apply their learning, demonstrating their knowledge through well-structured written work. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in the presentation of their work and consistent use of correct spelling and punctuation. This inconsistency affects the overall quality of their submissions.
In the early years, children benefit from a language-rich environment that aids their emotional management and vocabulary development. The school has made strides in improving its reading curriculum, with pupils reporting positive changes that enable them to analyze a broader range of texts. Despite this progress, some pupils still exhibit gaps in their phonics knowledge, which affects their reading fluency.
Staff manage behaviour consistently and fairly, teaching pupils the importance of good conduct and the consequences of poor choices. The school has implemented a comprehensive personal development program, encouraging pupils to become reflective thinkers and understand societal values. The partnership with a school in Kenya enriches their learning about global diversity.
The governing body is committed to continuous improvement and effective resource management, ensuring that staff workloads are balanced. Safeguarding measures are robust, with all staff taking collective responsibility for pupil safety. They are trained to recognize signs of distress and follow up with appropriate support. Pupils are educated on safety in various contexts, including online environments.
To further enhance the school's effectiveness, leaders need to address the phonics gaps among some pupils and ensure they practice reading regularly to improve fluency. Additionally, raising expectations for the presentation of written work will help align the quality of pupils' submissions with the high standards of content being taught. Overall, Puriton Primary School demonstrates a strong commitment to providing a quality education and fostering a positive learning environment for all its pupils.
