Castle Primary School, located in Keynsham, Bristol, has recently undergone an inspection on the 3rd and 4th of October 2023, resulting in an overall effectiveness rating of good. The school is part of The Partnership Trust, with Chris Cannings serving as the headteacher. The trust is overseen by CEO Emily Massey and a board of trustees chaired by Belinda Deery. The school has not been previously inspected under section five of the Education Act 2005.
Pupils at Castle Primary School thrive in an inclusive and welcoming environment, guided by the school’s motto of valuing learning, others, and themselves. The school fosters a culture of high expectations, where pupils demonstrate exemplary behavior and attitudes. They are polite, respectful, and consistently follow school rules, contributing to a happy and safe learning atmosphere. The school emphasizes character development, with early years pupils quickly adapting to routines and understanding the importance of democracy and mutual respect. A variety of extracurricular activities, including sports, yoga, and chess, enrich the pupils' experiences, and they take pride in their roles as school captains and librarians. Parents express high satisfaction with the nurturing environment provided by the school.
The curriculum at Castle Primary School is ambitious and focuses on developing pupils' language and communication skills. In the early years, well-trained staff support language development through engaging activities involving rhymes and stories. Reading is prioritized, with a strong phonics program that begins in Reception and continues into Key Stage 1. Staff effectively assess pupils' progress, providing additional support where needed, which helps pupils read with increasing fluency and accuracy. The curriculum is thoughtfully sequenced, allowing pupils to build on their knowledge progressively, particularly in mathematics, where they learn essential vocabulary and apply it to problem-solving.
Despite the strengths, there are areas for improvement. In some subjects, the curriculum does not clearly identify the key knowledge that pupils need to retain, which can limit their depth of understanding. Additionally, in a few subjects, the implementation of the curriculum does not align with the trust's intentions, affecting the overall learning experience. The school is encouraged to ensure that the curriculum clearly outlines the knowledge and vocabulary expected of pupils.
The management of pupil behavior is exceptional, with staff maintaining high expectations for conduct. Pupils learn to cooperate and take pride in their contributions to the school community. The school also provides numerous opportunities for personal development, instilling a sense of right and wrong among pupils and fostering responsible citizenship.
Trustees fulfill their statutory duties and possess a comprehensive understanding of the school's strengths and areas for development. Staff express pride in working at the school and feel well-supported. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils.
In summary, Castle Primary School demonstrates a commitment to high standards in education and personal development. While the school excels in many areas, particularly in behavior management and curriculum delivery, it must address the clarity of knowledge expectations in certain subjects to enhance pupils' learning experiences further.
