Christ Church Church of England Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils flourish at this happy and nurturing school.

The school has very high expectations of pupils. They live up to these and are confident and articulate learners. The school's values, such as aspiration, kindness and co-operation, are understood and lived out by pupils and staff alike.

The school has a culture where all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), are included. As a result, pupils are eager to come to school each day. Attendance is extremely high.

Pupils proudly talk to visitors about their learning and all the school has to offer. They develop an understanding of where they live and a sense of their p...lace in the local community.

Older pupils look out for their younger peers and role-model high expectations.

Pupils behave exceptionally well in and around the school. Pupils know how to report concerns or worries. Bullying is very rare, but when it does occur, the school addresses the issue very well.

Pupils are safe.

Pupils relish the opportunity to take on leadership roles like school and house captains or worship councillors. Through these roles, they make a tangible contribution to the life of the school, proudly supporting the well-being of others.

What does the school do well and what does it need to do better?

The school has designed an exceptional curriculum. In each subject, the essential building blocks of learning are clearly identified and broken down into small steps. Over time, pupils' knowledge builds very well.

For example, in the Reception Year children learn mapping skills by creating journeys linked to stories. This is built upon in key stage 1 with pupils mapping familiar routes. By the end of key stage 2 pupils confidently use 4 and 6 figure grid references to identify features on maps.

The quality of work produced by pupils across subjects is exceptional. For instance, in art, staff support pupils to use highly developed techniques. A very high standard of artwork is proudly displayed throughout the school.

Whole-school projects spark pupils' enthusiasm for learning. Interesting books are selected that support pupils to make strong connections across subjects, thereby deepening their understanding. Published outcomes do not reflect the overall quality of the curriculum due, in part, to high pupil mobility.

In Reception, there is a sharp focus on developing children's communication and language skills. Children discuss their learning in mathematics using mathematical language such as 'infinity'. Children, including those with SEND, learn to become independent, curious and confident learners.

Children start learning phonics as soon as they start school. Pupils read books that are closely matched to the sounds they know. These books help them to practise familiar sounds, and they become fluent quickly.

Staff systematically check which sounds pupils know. When needed, extra sessions are used to help anyone who struggles to catch up quickly. Older pupils read widely from a range of interesting and diverse books.

Across the school, pupils with SEND are swiftly identified. The school works with external agencies and specialists to establish the right types of support based on pupils' needs. This information is communicated to staff, who make appropriate adaptations to teaching.

This means that pupils with SEND are supported to learn the same ambitious curriculum as their peers.

The provision for pupils' wider personal development is exceptional. Visits to the local church, cathedral, mosque and a temple in the city help pupils to develop a strong awareness of cultures and faiths.

Through their conduct, pupils demonstrate a deep understanding of equality. They learn tolerance and fairness and understand the concepts of democracy and respect.

An impressive programme of well-designed clubs, trips and visits enrich pupils' learning and develop their character.

Pupils explore the history of Bristol on teacher-led tours or make their own step counters using 'micro-bits' in computing club. Pupils enjoy regular visits to Beggar Bush to engage in forest pursuits. Older pupils do outdoor adventurous activities at residential camps.

Pupils also benefit from sports tournaments. Pupils develop very strong musical knowledge through learning musical instruments, singing and performing in a choir or the local school's orchestra and experiencing live performances at the theatre. Pupils also have opportunities to perform.

The curriculum thus broadens pupils' interests considerably.

Staff care deeply for pupils. They are extremely dedicated to making a difference to pupils' learning.

Staff appreciate the support they receive regarding their well-being and the management of their workload. Trustees have an accurate understanding of the school's effectiveness. They are ambitious for pupils and keen to develop the excellent provision on offer even further.

Parents are overwhelmingly positive about the school. They value what the school achieves for their children.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

Also at this postcode