A village school, which became part of Bath-based Palladian Academy Trust three years ago, has received a good first Ofsted report.
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Westwood-with-Iford Primary School opened in June 2022. Its predecessor had been judged as inadequate for overall effectiveness following an inspection in 2021.
In its first inspection since becoming an academy, the 50-pupil school at Boswell Road at Lower Westwood is rated as good for its quality of education, leadership and management, children’s behaviour and attitudes and their personal development, as well as for early years provision.
The report was published earlier this month following an inspection held over two days in May.
Pupils are said to be happy and safe at the school. They attend very well and parents speak of the “welcoming and nurturing” staff and atmosphere.
Staff have high expectations that pupils strive to meet. They achieve well in reading, writing and maths. Staff adapt learning well for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).
The report says: “Pupils thrive at the school. All pupils learn a musical instrument and enjoy performing to live audiences. Trips, visits and events fuel pupils’ enthusiasm for learning and provide new experiences.
“The school makes sure that pupils gain a rich set of experiences including sports competitions, adventurous outdoor activities and theatre visits.”
The inspectors highlight that school and trust leaders have identified the right areas to focus on in order to improve the school.
“Work to improve some areas of the curriculum remains at an early stage. Leaders are considerate of staff well-being and workload.
“They have ensured that staff have had the training and support they need to develop their knowledge during a period of significant change.”
Palladian Academy Trust runs several schools in and around Bath, including Combe Down CofE Primary, Oldfield Park and Widcombe Infant and Junior schools, St Philip’s CofE Primary and St Martin’s Garden Primary. Secondary school Ralph Allen is also part of the trust.
