Pitton Church of England Primary School, located in Wiltshire, has recently undergone its first inspection under the Education Act 2005, receiving an overall effectiveness rating of good. The school is led by headteacher Emma Wilkinson and is part of the Pickwick Academy Trust, which is overseen by CEO James Passmore and a board of trustees chaired by Robert Ward. The school serves a mixed-gender population of 62 pupils aged 4 to 11 and emphasizes strong community ties, fostering a supportive environment rooted in its values of friendship, family, and fulfillment.
The inspection highlighted the positive relationships between staff and pupils, contributing to a safe and happy atmosphere where students feel comfortable expressing their concerns. Staff maintain high expectations for all pupils, who are motivated to meet these standards and appreciate the recognition they receive for positive behavior and academic efforts. Attendance is commendable, and pupils demonstrate politeness and respect towards visitors, adhering to established behavioral guidelines.
The curriculum is ambitious and well-structured, allowing pupils to build on their existing knowledge effectively. In subjects like mathematics, staff assess pupils' understanding before progressing to more complex concepts, ensuring a solid foundation. However, the inspection noted that in some wider curriculum areas, the school has not clearly defined the essential knowledge pupils need to acquire, which can hinder their confidence in building upon what they have learned. Additionally, there are instances where pupils are not advanced to more challenging material when they are ready, indicating a need for improvement in curriculum ambition across all subjects.
In the early years, the school places a strong emphasis on oracy, immersing children in language-rich experiences through stories, rhymes, and songs. This approach helps develop vocabulary and communication skills while integrating play-based learning to enhance overall development. Reading is a key focus, with pupils beginning their reading journey as soon as they start school, using books that align with their phonetic knowledge. Staff actively monitor progress, providing support to those who may fall behind, and fostering a love for reading through regular library visits.
The school is noted for its inclusivity, effectively supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) to access a broad curriculum tailored to their individual needs. The broader development of pupils is nurtured through a well-planned curriculum that promotes collaboration, healthy lifestyles, and respect for others. Opportunities for leadership and participation in extracurricular activities further enhance pupils' confidence and personal growth.
Trustees and the local governing committee play an active role in holding the school accountable and ensuring effective resource management. Staff appreciate the supportive environment and the professional development opportunities available to them. Safeguarding measures are robust, ensuring the safety and well-being of all pupils.
To enhance its effectiveness, the school should focus on clearly outlining the content and sequence of the curriculum in wider subjects, ensuring that all areas are structured to support knowledge retention and progression. Additionally, the curriculum should be ambitious in every subject to allow pupils to advance when they are ready. Overall, Pitton Church of England Primary School demonstrates a strong commitment to providing a quality education and fostering a positive learning environment for its pupils.
