Ashcombe Primary School, located in Weston-Super-Mare, Somerset, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on February 16 and 17, 2022. The school is characterized by a nurturing environment where pupils feel safe and valued. Parents have expressed their satisfaction, highlighting the strong, caring nature of the school community. Staff members are well-acquainted with the students and their families, which fosters a supportive atmosphere conducive to learning and achievement from the early years through to Year 6.
Pupils exhibit positive behavior in lessons, contributing to a calm and orderly environment throughout the school. Incidents of misbehavior are addressed promptly in accordance with school policies, and pupils feel confident that any bullying will be dealt with swiftly by adults. The school promotes a set of rules known as the 3 B’s: Be safe, be respectful, and be ready, which pupils understand and appreciate. The extensive playgrounds provide ample opportunities for students to engage in play and social interaction.
Leadership at Ashcombe Primary School is marked by high expectations for all pupils. Leaders have carefully designed a curriculum that emphasizes knowledge acquisition, ensuring that pupils are engaged and motivated in their learning. This thoughtful approach has resulted in pupils learning the curriculum effectively. The curriculum is structured to build skills progressively, with subjects like art and design organized around themes that help pupils make connections and retain what they have learned.
In subjects such as history, teachers facilitate connections between topics, making learning enjoyable. Assessment practices are utilized effectively in many areas, particularly in mathematics, where leaders have a clear understanding of pupil progress. However, there are some subjects where assessment practices need further development to ensure that leaders can accurately gauge pupil learning and make necessary adjustments to the curriculum.
Reading instruction is a priority at Ashcombe Primary School, with leaders determined to ensure that all pupils become successful readers. Teachers are well-trained in reading instruction and provide support for pupils who may be falling behind. The school is currently enhancing its phonics program to address identified areas for improvement, including the need for pupils to develop greater fluency in reading. New reading materials have been acquired to align with the updated phonics program, ensuring that pupils read texts that correspond to their phonetic knowledge.
The curriculum also effectively supports pupils' personal development, offering opportunities for collaborative projects that may include performances or community visits. For instance, pupils recently performed at a local care home, enriching the lives of residents and fostering a sense of community awareness among students. Strong relationships between staff and pupils contribute to a relevant and engaging learning experience, resulting in good behavior and a keen interest in learning. Staff are attentive to the needs of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, providing tailored support to ensure their success.
Governance at Ashcombe Primary School is robust, with governors working closely with trust representatives to drive improvements. They have prioritized key development areas, particularly in response to challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The focus is now shifting back to ensuring the quality of the curriculum. School leaders implement changes thoughtfully to avoid overwhelming staff, and teachers appreciate the support and guidance they receive.
The safeguarding arrangements at Ashcombe Primary School are effective. Staff are trained to identify safeguarding concerns and manage referrals to external agencies appropriately. Leaders demonstrate a strong understanding of how to support pupils and their families, following up diligently on any issues. Attendance is monitored closely to promote strong attendance among pupils.
While Ashcombe Primary School has many strengths, there are areas for improvement. Some aspects of the phonics program require more precise implementation to enhance reading fluency among a few pupils. Additionally, assessment practices in a minority of foundation subjects need to be strengthened to provide leaders with comprehensive information on pupil learning. Addressing these areas will further enhance the quality of education at the school. Overall, Ashcombe Primary School continues to provide a supportive and effective learning environment for its pupils.
