Castlechurch Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 8 November 2023

Pupils really enjoy coming to Castlechurch School. They value the interesting lessons and trips the school plans to help them gain first-hand experiences of the topics they are learning. Pupils are keen and confident to share their ideas but also respect and listen to others. The school is determined to provide a broad and ambitious curriculum that helps pupils to do well. The school ensures that pupils who need extra help get the support they need. As a result, most pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), achieve well. Pupils learn about how to keep safe, what bullying is, and what to do if it happens. The school is vigilant for any signs of bullying and is quick to act if necessary. Pupils remember what they have been taught about keeping safe and say they are safe in school. The school community hub has an extensive and exciting range of activities and support for their families and the wider community, for example women's well-being clinics, toddler groups and baby weigh-ins. Pupils are very proud to have this resource as part of their school.

What the school should improve

• The implementation of the curriculum is not consistent across the school. As a result, pupils are not always clear what they are learning and how to complete tasks successfully. The school should ensure that the curriculum in all subjects is implemented effectively so that pupils are secure in what they are learning.
• Teachers do not use assessment effectively in some subjects, especially foundation subjects. As a result, teachers do not have an accurate view of what gaps or errors in knowledge pupils have in some subject areas. The school should ensure that assessment is used well across all subjects to help pupils build their knowledge and understanding over time.
• The school does not consistently identify how it intends to enable pupils with SEND to access their learning. As a result, some pupils with SEND do not understand the tasks they are given and are not making the progress they could. The school should ensure that it identifies precisely how pupils will be supported in lessons so that they can access the learning, and should ensure that all relevant staff understand and apply the chosen strategies.

Read the full Ofsted report (opens in a new tab)