PARENTS and carers are positive about the support and quality of education their children receive at St Keyna Primary School in Keynsham, according to Ofsted’s latest inspection.
The education watchdog said the school meets expected standards in five areas: achievement, attendance and behaviour, curriculum and teaching, inclusion, and personal development and wellbeing.
However, Ofsted said improvements are still needed in early years, as well as in leadership and governance, before those areas can meet the expected standard.
Inspectors said pupils retain a strong body of knowledge across the curriculum, helping to prepare them well for secondary school.
Attendance has improved and is now close to the national average, while persistent absence has fallen.
Pupils also play happily together and enjoy the activities available indoors and outdoors at lunchtime.
Ofsted added that the curriculum is broad and ambitious, with teachers clear about what should be taught and when.
The school also works closely with pupils, parents and carers to identify barriers to learning. Staff receive advice and training from external professionals and therapists, which helps them assess pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) accurately.
Inspectors found the school’s personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education programme to be effective, helping pupils develop confidence and a clear sense of right and wrong.
The report also praised the school’s work in developing pupils’ understanding of fundamental British values, including the importance of rules and listening to different viewpoints.
In early years, however, Ofsted said there are weaknesses in how the curriculum is implemented. Inspectors noted that leaders understand what needs to improve and have put a detailed action plan in place.
The report said leaders and governors do not yet have strong enough oversight of all aspects of the school’s work. As a result, some necessary improvements, including in early-years provision, are only just beginning.
In other areas, though, governors’ recent challenge and support have already led to positive change, including improvements in attendance monitoring.
Some staff have raised concerns about how the school operates, and a minority said they do not always receive the support they need to carry out their roles effectively. Ofsted said governors are working to improve staff wellbeing and workload through regular surveys and by acting on staff feedback.
Ofsted also said the school has an open and positive safeguarding culture, with all legal requirements being met.
The report added: “Staff work closely together and are proud to teach at the school. Parents and carers recognise this and are very positive about the caring support and quality of education that their children receive. Almost all parents would recommend the school to another parent.”
Ofsted highlights Keynsham school’s improvements
