Holy Trinity Church of England Primary School in Taunton, Somerset, underwent an inspection on September 19 and 20, 2023, and received an overall effectiveness rating of good. The school has made significant improvements since its previous inspection, which rated it as requiring improvement. The headteacher, Lisa Eadie, leads the school, which is part of The Redstart Learning Partnership, overseen by CEO Suzanne Flack and a board of trustees chaired by Tess Gale.
Pupils at Holy Trinity enjoy a supportive environment characterized by positive relationships with peers and staff, often describing the school as a large family. Parents express high satisfaction with the individual care their children receive. The school has raised its expectations for pupil behavior, and most students respond positively, striving to earn recognition for their conduct. The school effectively manages low-level disruptions, allowing for a conducive learning atmosphere.
Students are well-acquainted with the school's values and demonstrate a commitment to kindness and compassion. They actively participate in various extracurricular activities, including chess, cheerleading, and gymnastics, which enrich their school experience. The curriculum is broad and ambitious, with careful consideration given to its sequencing. Younger pupils engage with songs, rhymes, and stories, laying a strong foundation for reading. The nursery and Reception Year focus on developing language and communication skills, essential for future learning.
The school has identified key knowledge and skills across subjects, ensuring that pupils learn important concepts. For instance, geography lessons include map skills and understanding local and distant places. In mathematics, children begin learning about numbers in the Reception Year, preparing them for more complex concepts later on. Teachers possess the necessary subject knowledge to deliver the curriculum effectively, although there are areas for improvement in assessment practices. In some instances, assessments do not accurately reflect pupils' understanding, leading to misconceptions and gaps in knowledge.
Reading is a strong focus at Holy Trinity, with pupils starting to learn as soon as they enter the Reception Year. They read books that align closely with the sounds they have learned, gradually progressing to more complex texts. Support is readily available for those who need it, ensuring that all pupils can develop their reading skills.
The school effectively identifies the needs of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). While some adaptations to the curriculum are successful, there are instances where the curriculum does not fully meet the needs of all SEND pupils, hindering their progress. The school is committed to improving this aspect to ensure all pupils achieve their potential.
Pupils exhibit positive attitudes toward learning and take pride in their achievements. They engage in a well-structured personal, social, and health education program, learning about physical and mental health and online safety. The curriculum promotes understanding of different religions and the importance of tolerance and respect, with pupils actively participating in campaigns like Anti-Bullying Week.
Trustees and local governors play an essential role in supporting and challenging the school, managing resources effectively to drive improvement. Staff express pride in their work environment, noting that the school prioritizes their well-being and professional development. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils.
To enhance its effectiveness further, the school must improve its assessment practices to ensure that pupils secure the knowledge and skills necessary for future learning. Additionally, the curriculum needs to be better adapted for some pupils with SEND to support their independence and achievement. Overall, Holy Trinity Church of England Primary School provides a good quality of education, fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment.
