Pupils feel happy and safe at St Aldhelm's Church School in Doulting, according to a new Ofsted report published on Tuesday, 20 October. Inspectors found the school met the expected standard in all seven areas assessed and confirmed that safeguarding standards were met.

The team visited on 22 and 23 September, finding calm lessons, considerate pupils and staff who listen when children have concerns. They also recognised improvements made during a period of changes in leadership.

The report said: "Pupils feel happy and safe at St Aldhelms. Staff warmly welcome them to school."

Inspectors found bullying was rare and children trusted staff to help them manage friendships. Older pupils helped reception children settle in, while clear routines and expectations supported behaviour and learning.

Attendance was also praised, with inspectors reporting that leaders' work with families had helped it rise above national levels. Staff identified barriers to attendance and worked with parents and carers to address them.

Pupils' achievement was generally in line with national benchmarks, exceeding them in some measures, including the Year 4 multiplication check. Children facing barriers to learning were found to achieve well from their starting points, sometimes doing better than their peers.

The report particularly recognised the support for children with special educational needs and disabilities. Leaders worked closely with families and external professionals, reviewed support carefully and responded quickly when children's needs changed.

Inspectors found that recent curriculum improvements were helping pupils build their knowledge in a logical order. Most children had secured their phonics sounds by the end of Year 1, while older pupils enjoyed reading and could discuss a range of books.

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However, the school was given two priorities for further improvement. Leaders should ensure pupils have firmly grasped basic writing skills and number facts before moving on, and make teaching approaches that check children's understanding more consistent across the school.

Inspectors noted that some pupils occasionally progressed without fully securing skills such as letter formation. Although leaders were checking for gaps, further work was needed to ensure those foundations were established.

The school's Little Lambs nursery was also developing, with three-year-olds attending at the time of the inspection and provision for two-year-olds due to begin shortly. Inspectors found leaders had prepared carefully for the expansion and considered younger children's developmental needs.

Clubs, trips and sporting opportunities were accessible to pupils, while children had helped create a wellbeing area within the school. Inspectors also highlighted opportunities for imaginative play in the shepherd's hut and mud kitchen.

St Aldhelm's has 176 pupils and is part of Bath and Wells Multi Academy Trust. Executive headteacher Chris Chorley took up his role in January 2024, while head of school Leah Sheppard started in September this year.

The report found improvement work had continued through the leadership changes, with staff and parents speaking positively about children's experiences. The full report is available through Ofsted's website.

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