A primary school near Bath has been told by Ofsted inspectors that a full ‘graded’ inspection in the future could see it be judged ‘Outstanding’.
Swainswick Church School, which remains a ‘Good’ school, was described by Ofsted in its recent report as a place where their vision, ‘Let your light shine’, is integral to every aspect of pupils’ days, and the ethos of the school means that ‘kindness is contagious’.
The inspector said the school, led by headteacher Grant Swarbrooke, meets the needs of all pupils ‘particularly well’ and the children meet the high expectations that adults have of them.
The staff were praised for their ambitious vision, with the report adding, ‘Leaders and staff continuously strive for improvement across all aspects of the school and have designed a curriculum that identifies the important knowledge they want pupils to learn and by when.’
The inspectors were keen to stress the way in which the school, part of the Bath and Wells Multi Academy Trust, prioritises personal development in all the children, which helps them to develop their character and play a role in their community.
The report added, ‘Leaders ensure that pupils’ personal development is woven throughout the curriculum and in everyday life at Swainswick. It is carefully designed to support pupils to develop character. Pupils discuss topical issues and take action when they feel strongly about something. For example, pupils worked alongside external agencies to reduce the speed limit within their school locality.
‘There is an abundance of opportunities for pupils to develop beyond the academic academic curriculum. Pupils learn to think deeply, take responsibility, and have a voice.
‘Pupils are passionate about their role as global citizens. They are proactive and determined to make the world a better place.’
There was also praise for the Year 6 buddy system, where Reception children and children are encouraged to debate topics and understand differing views from their own.
The inspectors also had positive things to say about the curriculum, which is said to be ‘coherent and well sequenced’.
‘Reading is at the heart of the curriculum. Pupils benefit from an effective phonics programme that supports them to learn to read well. Children in Reception Year get off to a flying start and learn to read as soon as they begin school. From Reception Year, children develop a curiosity and confidence with mathematical which provides a secure foundation for future learning.’
This ‘ungraded’ inspection was carried out in May to assess whether the school remained ‘Good’ and, with the evidence that Swainswick could be judged ‘Outstanding’, a graded inspection will now take place within two years, possibly sooner.
Mr Swarbrooke said, “We are thrilled that the inspectors recognised so many of the things which we prize here at Swainswick – kindness, ambition, citizenship, open mindedness and, of course, academic values. We work hard to ensure every child’s ‘light shines’ and, of course, we will continue to seek improvement in everything we do.”
Bath and Wells Multi Academy Trust chief executive, Nikki Edwards, added, “It is clear from this report that the Swainswick team is doing an outstanding job already and the inspector noted that the qualities are already in place to suggest the possibility of an ‘outstanding’ judgement in the future. But of course, schools are about so much more, and it is heart-warming to read about the way in which Grant and his team are helping every child at this fantastic school to be model citizens in the future.”