Upottery Primary School, located in Devon, has been recognized for its strong educational environment following an inspection conducted on October 8 and 9, 2024. The school has consistently achieved a Good rating across all key areas, including the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. This reflects the school's commitment to providing a supportive and enriching learning experience for its pupils.
Pupils at Upottery Primary School express happiness and a sense of safety within the school environment. They are engaged in their learning and take pride in their contributions, such as participating in roles like eco-leaders. The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including clubs and events that broaden students' experiences and foster a love for reading through an extensive library. Parents and carers have voiced positive feedback regarding the school's atmosphere and the opportunities available for their children.
The school emphasizes its core values of being valued, inspired, and striving to be the best. These principles are integrated into the daily lives of the pupils, who demonstrate a clear understanding of how these values contribute to their learning and social interactions. The school has effectively addressed issues related to bullying, and pupils generally exhibit good behavior.
Since the last inspection, significant improvements have been made in various aspects of the school, particularly in enhancing the quality of education. The curriculum is ambitious and well-structured, allowing pupils to build on their knowledge effectively. Mathematics instruction is highlighted as a strong point, with older pupils adept at solving complex problems and younger children enjoying foundational number skills through play.
The school has also made strides in improving early reading instruction. Staff receive ongoing training to ensure the effective delivery of the reading curriculum, resulting in most pupils acquiring essential reading and writing skills quickly. However, there are still challenges for some pupils, particularly those who struggle with writing, as they do not always receive the necessary support to develop their skills fully.
The federation to which Upottery Primary School belongs has played a crucial role in supporting the school's development. Collaboration with other schools within the federation has allowed teachers to share best practices and enhance the overall curriculum delivery. Governors are actively involved and take pride in the progress made since the previous inspection.
Pupils enjoy their lessons and generally learn well, with the school implementing a comprehensive approach to assessing retention of knowledge over time. This enables staff to identify and support pupils who may be falling behind. The school is proactive in addressing the needs of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they receive appropriate adaptations in their learning.
The early years provision is well-organized, providing a nurturing environment that promotes language and communication development through various activities. Most pupils demonstrate good behavior and feel secure in their surroundings, knowing that staff are attentive to their concerns.
While the school has many strengths, there are areas for improvement. Some staff require further subject knowledge to adapt lessons effectively for all pupils, which can hinder learning outcomes. Additionally, writing tasks for younger pupils and those with special educational needs can sometimes be overly complex, necessitating adjustments to ensure all students can succeed.
Overall, Upottery Primary School is a thriving educational institution that prioritizes the well-being and development of its pupils, fostering a positive and engaging learning environment.