Two Rivers primary rated as ‘Outstanding’

KEYNSHAM’S newest primary school is starting the academic year on a high note – it has been awarded Ofsted’s highest grade of Outstanding in its first inspection.

Two Rivers CofE Primary School opened in 2020. The Ofsted report, published over the summer, rated the school as Outstanding in all areas: quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management and early years provision.

The inspectors said that pupils described Two Rivers as a welcoming place where everyone is kind and respectful.

“Staff give pupils the courage and confidence to try new things. All pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), achieve extremely well.

“Pupils consistently meet the high expectations adults have of them. They behave extremely well, both in and outside the classroom. As a result, the school is a calm and purposeful place to learn.”

The inspectors were impressed with both academic standards and progress and children’s wider development.

“Leaders and staff have the highest ambitions for every pupil. They have created a curriculum that is designed exceptionally well. Starting in the early years, leaders have carefully considered precisely what pupils need to know and when they need to know it,” the report said.

Expert and skilful teaching of reading, phonics, maths and computing was highlighted. Ofsted praised the school’s governors and Futura Learning Trust for their support of the school.

The inspectors also noted the range of opportunities for children to develop their character, help others in their community and participate in clubs.

“They have a mature understanding of tolerance and equality,” the report said.

Futura Learning Partnership opened Two Rivers in 2020 to serve the growing population of east Keynsham. Staff and pupils moved into their environmentally friendly buildings at Hygge Park last year.

At the time of the inspection, the school had 62 pupils aged four to seven. This year it is welcoming 21 children into its reception class, and its oldest pupils have started Key Stage 2.

Headteacher Matt Filer said: “This Ofsted report is a lovely endorsement of the culture of our entire school community. We look forward to further success for all pupils at our growing our school with these strong foundations upon which to build.”

Andrea Arlidge, chief executive of Futura, said: “Congratulations to Matt Filer and his team, and of course to the children, who are an absolute credit to the school and to their families.”