Vallis First School in Frome, Somerset, has been praised as a “rapidly improving school” where “pupils and staff are proud to be part of a warm and welcoming community.” Following a recent Ofsted inspection, the school celebrated their success with an ice cream treat for staff and pupils.
The school, which educates 213 children aged four to nine, received a ‘good’ rating across all areas. Inspectors applauded the swift transformation under new leadership, describing Vallis First as “a school in a position of stability and rapid improvement,” where everyone’s contribution is valued.
The two-day inspection on June 3 and 4 highlighted the strong, trusting relationships between staff and pupils. Inspectors noted, “Pupils trust staff to look after them and feel safe. Effective pastoral support helps pupils enjoy school and settle well into their learning.”
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Executive Headteacher Georgina Muxworthy, who joined in September 2024, has led a focus on strengthening the curriculum, delivering focused teaching, and fostering a positive school culture. Staff were commended for consistently applying high expectations of behaviour and helping pupils understand and follow school rules to be “ready, safe, and caring.”
“The school has high ambitions for its pupils,” the report states, noting support for achievement and encouragement of future career aspirations.
A key factor in the school’s progress has been its updated curriculum. Inspectors praised the careful organisation that allows pupils to build knowledge progressively. Early years provision received special mention, with a sharp focus on developing vocabulary and language from the Reception Year, resulting in strong communication skills.
While many strengths were noted, the report also identified areas for further development. In some subjects, a deeper understanding of the curriculum is needed, and tasks should better match learning goals. Additionally, older pupils sometimes struggle due to gaps in prior knowledge.
Reading is a particular strength, with skilled staff supporting pupils from the start of Reception to build sound phonics and fluency. Improvements were also seen in maths, especially in building times table fluency following last year’s lower results.
Support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) was described as robust, with early identification and timely teacher intervention.
Pupil behaviour was characterised as calm, respectful, and cooperative, with enthusiastic engagement in lessons and activities. The school’s recently reinvigorated personal development curriculum promotes inclusion, fairness, and an appreciation of diversity through lessons on equal rights, women’s history, Black History Month, and global cultures.
Pupils are encouraged to take on leadership roles, such as librarians, nurse assistants, and members of the ‘spick and span’ team. School ambassadors have contributed ideas to improve the local community through collaboration with the town council.
Governors demonstrated strong commitment and a clear vision for ongoing development. Safeguarding arrangements were found to be effective, and the school’s professional development programme supports continuous staff improvement.
Headteacher Georgina Muxworthy commented, “We are so proud of our children, our staff, and our whole community. This report recognises the incredible work that’s gone into building a school where every child is truly seen and supported. Our values are alive in every classroom and playground interaction. What better way to celebrate than with ice cream.”
Parent and Chair of Governors Holly Lawton added, “This fantastic result reflects the compassion, commitment, and energy of our staff, who put children at the heart of everything. Thanks to Georgina and Tracey Messenger’s inspiring leadership, our school is thriving. We look forward to an exciting future together.”