Ruishton Church of England School, located in Taunton, Somerset, has recently undergone its first inspection since becoming an academy in January 2019. The inspection, conducted on 13 and 14 March 2023, resulted in an overall effectiveness rating of good across all evaluated areas, including the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. The school fosters a welcoming environment where pupils feel valued and cared for by the staff. Relationships between pupils and adults are respectful and warm, contributing to a sense of safety among students. Pupils understand the difference between falling out and bullying, with reports indicating that bullying is rare and effectively addressed when it occurs.
Behaviour in classrooms and around the school is generally calm, although some pupils have noted instances of poor behaviour that disrupt learning. Support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities is strong, with staff providing tailored assistance to ensure these students can engage with their peers and access the curriculum. The school offers a variety of extracurricular opportunities, including residential trips and community engagement activities, which help pupils develop a sense of responsibility and citizenship.
Leadership at Ruishton is characterized by a relentless drive for improvement, supported by local governors and trustees who provide a balanced approach of challenge and support. Staff members feel valued and report that their well-being is prioritized. The early years provision is particularly strong, with a focus on developing communication and language skills through engaging activities. Children in the nursery are encouraged to develop independence, as seen in their ability to manage tasks such as handwashing before snack time.
Reading is a priority within the school, with pupils expressing enthusiasm for the new library and participating in reading initiatives. However, there are concerns regarding the expectations set for older pupils in reading, as some are not making the progress they are capable of due to insufficiently high expectations. The curriculum is ambitious, with a well-structured approach in subjects like mathematics, where pupils build on their understanding of numbers and apply their knowledge to solve complex problems. In physical education, pupils practice various techniques and apply them in game situations, demonstrating their developing skills.
While leaders have identified ambitious endpoints for the wider curriculum, there is a need for clearer definitions of the specific knowledge pupils should acquire. This has resulted in gaps in understanding, particularly in subjects like history. Leaders are encouraged to refine the curriculum to ensure that pupils not only recall facts but also understand their significance and connections to broader concepts.
The school has effective safeguarding measures in place, ensuring that pupils are kept safe and that concerns are promptly addressed. The safeguarding team works closely with external agencies to provide necessary support to pupils and families. Overall, Ruishton Church of England School demonstrates a commitment to providing a high-quality education and fostering a supportive community for its pupils. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in raising expectations in reading and clarifying curriculum goals in certain subjects to enhance pupils' learning experiences.
