Swainswick Church School has received Ofsted’s highest judgement following a visit in June.
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In their report published this week, inspectors say the 80-pupil school is Outstanding across the board – for quality of education, leadership and management, children’s behaviour and attitudes, their personal development and the early years provision.
The primary school at Innox Lane in Upper Swainswick has been part of the Diocese of Bath and Wells Multi Academy Trust since 2019.
The report says the school “sits at the heart of the local community” and is an inspiring place to learn.
“Pupils are rightly proud of their school. They attend well and they thrive.
“Staff are highly ambitious for what pupils can achieve. Pupils live up to this.
“The warm and nurturing relationships between staff and pupils sit at the heart of the school’s effectiveness. Pupils are respectful and polite to each other and to visitors. Their conduct is exemplary.”
The inspectors highlight the “relentless drive” to ensure that all the children receive an outstanding education: “The school has designed an exciting and ambitious curriculum with precision.
“Pupils consistently build new learning on secure foundations. As a result, pupils excel.”
Staff ensure that all pupils have the understanding and vocabulary required to express their ideas and everyone’s voice is valued.
The school is said to be ambitious that every pupil will become a fluent reader and any pupil who falls behind is promptly identified and receives rapid support to help them to catch up and keep up.
The inspectors also say that the school accurately identifies the needs of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND): “Both the curriculum and the teaching of it are adapted accurately to meet these needs. Consequently, pupils with SEND achieve highly.”
Opportunities for pupils to develop their talents and interests are described as being of “exceptional quality”.
The school ensures that staff receive high-quality professional development and the trust and local governing committee are “extremely knowledgeable” and committed to the school, Ofsted says.
