Whimple Primary School, located in Whimple, Exeter, Devon, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on December 13, 2022. The school is characterized by a positive and welcoming environment where pupils are kind, polite, and friendly. Students express a genuine enthusiasm for attending school and report that while some bullying occurs, it is addressed promptly by teachers. The school fosters a love for learning across various subjects, with Reception children showing particular enthusiasm for reading.
From Reception through Year 6, pupils adapt well to school routines, demonstrating respectful listening, sharing, and turn-taking. Their behavior is commendable both in lessons and during break times. Older students take on the role of play ambassadors, helping younger peers build friendships and enjoy their playtime. The school offers a variety of after-school clubs and activities, including a music club called Rock Steady, which pupils greatly appreciate. Educational trips to places like Killerton and Dartmoor enhance their understanding of the world. Parents express overwhelming positivity about the school, highlighting the quality of education and the strong support provided by staff. The relationships between staff and pupils are notably strong, contributing to a sense of safety and value among students.
The leadership team, including governors and staff, shares a unified vision for the academic, social, and emotional success of pupils. They have developed a well-structured curriculum in many areas, allowing students to build on their knowledge progressively. For instance, the history curriculum is particularly well-organized, enabling pupils to develop complex knowledge and evaluate new topics effectively. However, leaders acknowledge that some subjects require further development to ensure that pupils acquire strong foundational knowledge before progressing to more complex concepts.
Teachers at Whimple Primary School possess good subject knowledge and regularly assess pupils' understanding, adapting their teaching methods accordingly. This approach ensures that all students, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, receive tailored support to help them learn effectively. Reading is prioritized, with a new reading program introduced in Reception and Key Stage 1 that has motivated children to engage with reading. The program emphasizes the connection between letters and sounds, and additional support is provided to those who need it.
Pupils enjoy reading across the curriculum, developing a range of skills that enhance their writing abilities. For example, Year 5 and Year 6 students' engagement with the book Animalium has supported their report writing skills. The presentation of pupils' work is commendable, reflecting their pride in their learning and motivation to excel.
Emotional well-being is a key focus, with leaders prioritizing it through various initiatives, such as providing games during break times to encourage social interaction and friendship-building. The curriculum also includes texts that foster empathy and character development, such as The Boy Who Cried Ninja, which teaches the importance of honesty.
Governors demonstrate a strong understanding of the school and have played a crucial role in supporting curriculum development. Staff express pride in their work environment, feeling that their well-being is prioritized and their workload is manageable. The school's safeguarding arrangements are effective, with leaders ensuring that at-risk pupils receive timely support. Staff receive regular safeguarding training, and pupils are educated on safety topics, including road and online safety.
While the school has many strengths, there is a need for improvement in the structure of some subjects within the curriculum to ensure that all pupils learn sequentially and develop a solid foundation of knowledge. Leaders are tasked with ensuring that all subjects are consistently well-structured to facilitate effective learning for all students.
