Honiton Primary School, located in Devon, has recently undergone an inspection that resulted in an overall effectiveness rating of good. This marks a significant improvement from its previous inspection, which rated the school as requiring improvement. The inspection took place on December 6 and 7, 2023, and assessed various aspects of the school, including the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision, all of which were rated as good.
The school’s vision of developing world-ready individuals is central to its ethos and is reflected in the strong community ties it has fostered. Parents express high levels of satisfaction, noting that their children thrive in an environment where learning is encouraged by enthusiastic teachers. Pupils enjoy attending school, feel safe, and demonstrate good behavior both in lessons and during social interactions. The school has established a culture where bullying is not tolerated, and pupils are taught to seek help from trusted adults when needed.
In the early years foundation stage, children receive a strong start to their education. The curriculum is well-structured, promoting effective learning and preparing children for their transition to Year 1. Phonics instruction is delivered in a logical sequence, enabling pupils to develop reading fluency. However, there is recognition that the reading curriculum requires further development to ensure that pupils master more complex reading skills beyond phonics.
The school is actively revising its curriculum to enhance its effectiveness. While most subjects are well-planned and ambitious, there are a few areas where the curriculum lacks clarity regarding the specific knowledge and skills pupils need to acquire. This has resulted in some gaps in knowledge for certain pupils. The school is encouraged to ensure that all subjects have a clearly defined sequence of learning to support comprehensive knowledge acquisition.
Inclusivity is a key feature of Honiton Primary School, with a strong focus on supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities. The school implements well-thought-out support plans that are closely monitored and adapted as necessary, ensuring that all pupils can engage with the curriculum effectively. Pupils report that their learning is not disrupted, and they are encouraged to collaborate and focus on their work.
Personal development is prioritized, with the school fostering responsible citizenship through its personal, social, and health education curriculum. Pupils are engaged in a variety of extracurricular activities, which they take pride in, including sports and academic events. Leadership opportunities are available for pupils, allowing them to take on roles such as sports captains and library leaders.
Staff morale is notably high, with teachers describing the school as a positive and supportive environment. They feel valued and appreciate the professional development opportunities provided. The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, ensuring that pupils are protected and supported.
To improve further, the school needs to address the sequencing of the curriculum in some foundation subjects to prevent knowledge gaps. Additionally, the reading curriculum requires a more structured approach to ensure that pupils master reading skills beyond phonics. Overall, Honiton Primary School demonstrates a commitment to continuous improvement and the well-being of its pupils, making it a commendable educational institution.
