Charlton Wood Primary Academy is a successful institution located in Patchway, Bristol, where pupils thrive in a supportive and ambitious environment. The school, which operates under the Trust in Learning Academies, has a headteacher named Laurence Pitt and is overseen by a board of trustees chaired by Gerry Rice. The recent inspection conducted on November 7 and 8, 2023, rated the overall effectiveness of the school as good, with outstanding ratings in behavior and attitudes, as well as early years provision. The quality of education, personal development, and leadership and management were also rated as good.
The school fosters a culture of high aspirations among both staff and pupils, leading to diligent work and exemplary behavior. Parents have expressed overwhelmingly positive views about the caring staff and the dedicated support provided for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities. Pupils exhibit a quiet focus as they navigate the school, maintaining order and calm in classrooms and social settings. From the onset of their education, pupils are taught to be kind and respectful, adhering to the school’s routines and demonstrating positive attitudes towards learning. They feel safe and secure within the school environment.
Charlton Wood Academy emphasizes its core values of respect, understanding, perseverance, and pride, which pupils actively embody by helping and supporting one another. The school provides various opportunities for pupils to develop leadership skills through roles such as pupil parliament members and environmental leaders. Additionally, a range of extracurricular clubs, including dance, cookery, and sports, allows pupils to explore their interests and talents.
The curriculum at Charlton Wood is broad, rich, and ambitious, designed to ensure that pupils acquire the necessary knowledge across various subjects. Staff present information clearly and build on prior knowledge, particularly in mathematics, where pupils are encouraged to enhance their reasoning skills. Reading is prioritized, with a strong focus on communication and language skills integrated throughout the curriculum. From the Reception Year, children begin learning to read, with phonics instruction tailored to their needs, ensuring they become fluent readers.
While the school has made significant strides in curriculum development, some subjects are still in the early stages of implementation. Staff are working on refining assessment practices to better identify gaps in pupils' knowledge and adapt the curriculum accordingly. This is crucial for ensuring that all pupils build the depth of knowledge necessary for their current and future learning.
The management of pupil behavior is exceptional, with a strong emphasis on teaching children how to interact positively from the start of their education. The early years provision is particularly noteworthy, with staff establishing routines that promote happy play and friendship among children. The school also prioritizes pupils' personal development, teaching them about physical and mental health and fostering respect for diverse backgrounds and faiths.
Governors and trustees are actively engaged in the school’s vision, holding leaders accountable and ensuring that staff are supported in managing their workload. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, contributing to a safe and nurturing environment for all pupils. Overall, Charlton Wood Primary Academy is a commendable institution that successfully supports its pupils' academic and personal growth while continuously striving for improvement in its educational offerings.
