A Weston-super-Mare primary school has been told improvement is needed after Ofsted questioned academic progress and teaching quality.
Ofsted's latest inspection of Hutton Church of England Primary School, in Hutton near Weston-super-Mare, praised the school for its role in the local community, but inspectors also identified significant concerns over teaching, achievement and support for pupils in need.
It found safeguarding standards were met and judged attendance, behaviour, early years provision, and personal development and wellbeing to be at the expected standard.
However, achievement, curriculum and teaching, inclusion, and leadership and governance were all rated as "Needs attention".
In a reporter published on September 22, inspectors raised concerns about academic outcomes, particularly among older pupils.
The report said: "The inconsistencies in teaching mean that pupils' progress through the curriculum is variable, particularly in key stage 2."
Inspectors found published results in reading, writing and mathematics at the end of key stage 2 had "declined in successive years".
Over the last three years, 30 per cent of disadvantaged pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared with 46 per cent nationally.
The report added: "Overall, too few pupils are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need to be well prepared for secondary school."
Ofsted also described the quality of teaching across the school as "variable", stating that some teachers "can lack the expertise needed to deliver the curriculum effectively".
Inspectors found that work is not always adapted effectively to meet pupils' needs and that mistakes in spelling and grammar are not consistently addressed.
Concerns were also raised about support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
Inspectors said support is inconsistent and found that some pupils "do not receive the right support they need to thrive".
In personal development, inspectors praised the school's enrichment opportunities, pastoral support and work promoting equality and safety.
However, they found that "some pupils' knowledge of topics is not as deep as leaders intend" because of inconsistencies in the teaching of personal, social, health and economic education.
Inspectors highlighted the school's positive place within the community, stating: "This school is at the heart of village life."
They also found that most pupils enjoy attending and said improvements had been made to how staff handle bullying concerns.
The report found attendance has remained broadly in line with national averages over a sustained period, although inspectors said attendance among disadvantaged pupils remains lower than that of their peers nationally and requires further improvement.
Early years provision was singled out as a particular strength.
Inspectors said staff provide high-quality support and concluded that "most children are well prepared for the demands of the Year 1 curriculum".
Ofsted's recommendations include improving staff expertise, strengthening assessment and curriculum delivery, addressing gaps in older pupils' knowledge, improving support for SEND pupils and increasing the impact of attendance initiatives for disadvantaged children.
The inspection took place in June 2026, with inspectors returning in July to gather additional evidence.
The school is part of the Kaleidoscope Multi Academy Trust.
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