A culture of ‘mutual trust’ and pupils who exemplify school values of ‘respect, kindness, perseverance and honesty’ have seen The Redstart Primary School maintain the standards which earned it a ‘Good’ rating from Ofsted, according to inspectors.
A team from the education watchdog spent two days assessing the Chard school, during which time they met leaders from the school and its parent trust, spoke with parents and pupils, and carried out a ‘deep dive’ into a number of subject areas.
Although the visit was an ungraded inspection, Ofsted concluded Redstart has ‘taken effective action’ to maintain the standards which earned the school a ‘Good’ rating previously.
Inspectors heaped praise upon the school’s ‘high expectations’ and ‘ambitious curriculum’, as well as the positive behaviour of students and the ‘strong’ opportunities for personal development.
In his report, lead inspector James Gentile said: “The Redstart Primary School has taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at the previous inspection.
“Pupils across the school consistently exemplify the values of the ‘Redstart way’: respect, kindness, perseverance and honesty.
“Pupils behave well and have a strong commitment to learning. The high expectations set by school leaders and staff are embraced by pupils, who respond positively and achieve well.”
The report went on to praise Redstart’s provision in a number of key areas.
On pupils’ wellbeing, Ofsted said: “Relationships between pupils and staff are characterised by mutual trust and respect. Pupils report that they feel confident in seeking support from the safeguarding team. They also use the worry boxes in classrooms if they have any concerns. Pupils are assured that their worries will be taken seriously by staff.”
On curriculum and learning, it said: “The school offers an ambitious curriculum that is well structured, enabling pupils to learn skills and build knowledge progressively.
“School leaders are reflective and consistently seek ways to enhance the curriculum design. Staff possess strong subject knowledge. This ensures that the delivery of the curriculum aligns with the high expectations set by leaders. As a result, pupils achieve well.”
On SEND provision, the report said: “Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) access the same highquality curriculum as their peers.
“Highly-trained staff support pupils with SEND and identify their specific needs. Additionally, the school collaborates well with external agencies when specialist support is required. Consequently, pupils with SEND receive strong support and achieve well.”
And on pupil development, it said: “The provision for pupils’ personal development is a strength of the school. Pupils have a wealth of opportunities to build confidence and character. For example, all Year 6 pupils take on roles of responsibility such as house captains, librarians or science ambassadors.
“Older pupils know they are role models to younger peers. They take these roles seriously and proudly support younger pupils.”
Inspectors offered further praise for Redstart’s ‘effective’ safeguarding, the ‘positive and mutually respectful relationships’ which ensure behaviour and attendance are good, and the ‘enriching experiences’ Redstart provides through its strong community links.
Ofsted’s findings have been welcomed by leaders at The Redstart Primary School, and its parent trust The Cabot Learning Federation.
Rebecca Collins, Principal at The Redstart Primary School, said:
“I am so proud of the work my team have put in to ensure that Redstart remains a great place to both work and learn. The energy and commitment invested by the staff at Redstart to ensure our children are well supported and successful every day is wonderful and I am delighted to be a part of this fabulous team.”
Steve Taylor, Chief Executive Officer of the Cabot Learning Federation, said:
“Everyone in the Cabot Learning Federation is delighted with the news that inspectors confirmed Redstart continues to offer such a strong educational provision to children in Chard. Congratulations to Rebecca Collins and all of our colleagues at the school; a great team doing their best to serve the local community.”
