Chard's Redstart Primary School retains 'Good' Ofsted rating

According to the education watchdog, a culture of 'mutual trust' and students who embody the school values of 'respect, kindness, perseverance, and honesty’ have kept the primary school's standards high.

Inspectors from Ofsted spent two days assessing the school and concluded that it had 'taken effective action' to maintain the standards which had previously earned it a 'Good' rating.

They praised the school's 'high expectations' and 'ambitious curriculum', as well as the positive student behaviour and personal development opportunities.

Lead inspector James Gentile said in his report: "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 also commended Redstart’s provision in several key areas.

Ofsted said regarding student wellbeing: "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."

Discussing the curriculum and learning, the report read: "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."

The report highlighted the provision for students with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), stating: "Pupils with SEND access the same high-quality 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."

The inspectors also praised the school's 'effective' safeguarding, the 'positive and mutually respectful relationships' that ensure good behaviour and attendance, and the 'enriching experiences' provided through the school's strong community links.

The findings from Ofsted 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, added: "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."