Appledore School, located in Bideford, Devon, has received a positive inspection report, reflecting its overall effectiveness as good. The inspection took place on July 11 and 12, 2023, and the school has maintained its good rating since the previous inspection in April 2018. The school serves pupils aged three to eleven and has a total enrollment of 241 students. It operates under the Atlantic Coast Co-Operative Trust and offers before- and after-school club services.
Pupils at Appledore School express happiness and enthusiasm for their learning environment. They attend regularly and are eager to engage in their educational experiences. The early years program fosters curiosity, encouraging children to explore their surroundings and ask questions. The school prioritizes positive relationships between pupils and adults, which is a key focus for the leadership team. This nurturing atmosphere contributes to effective learning.
The leadership and staff at Appledore School have high expectations for all pupils, aiming for success through a broad and ambitious curriculum. Routines are established to create a calm and orderly environment, and staff are attentive to the individual needs of pupils. Many students appreciate the support provided through the learning mentor initiative, which further enhances their educational experience.
Personal development is another area where the school excels. Leaders organize enriching visits to complement the curriculum, such as trips to local historical sites. Pupils are given various responsibilities within the school, fostering a sense of ownership and importance in their contributions. They recognize that their opinions matter, which enhances their engagement and commitment to the school community.
The curriculum at Appledore School is carefully sequenced and well-constructed, ensuring that pupils acquire the necessary knowledge for their future educational stages. It is designed to develop pupils as explorers, gatherers, explainers, and evaluators throughout their time at the school. Staff training has been utilized to enhance teachers' subject knowledge, supporting the effective implementation of the curriculum. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in the depth of evaluation regarding the implementation of the curriculum in certain subjects. This gap means that leaders may not fully understand how well pupils are learning or where progress may be lacking.
Teachers employ various strategies to facilitate learning, including regular revisiting of prior knowledge to deepen understanding. Assessment practices are effective in identifying gaps in knowledge, allowing for timely interventions. Pupils value the support they receive, which contributes to their overall success.
The school is committed to supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), ensuring they have equal opportunities to succeed. However, some needs are not identified early enough, and learning targets for certain pupils lack precision, which can hinder their progress. Addressing these issues is essential for ensuring that all pupils receive the necessary support to thrive.
Reading is a priority at Appledore School, with initiatives starting in the early years. Children take home bedtime storybooks, and throughout the school, pupils are exposed to a variety of high-quality texts to foster a love of reading. Staff are well-trained in phonics instruction, enabling them to support pupils who may fall behind. This approach helps build confidence and fluency in reading.
In the early years, children engage in successful learning experiences that promote communication and language skills. They demonstrate curiosity and independence, exploring concepts such as magnetism through hands-on activities. The curriculum is designed to cultivate responsible and respectful citizens, with pupils discussing important topics like equality and inclusion.
Pupils exhibit positive attitudes toward learning, adhering to behavioral expectations and enjoying recognition for their achievements. Bullying is not a concern, as pupils feel confident that any issues will be addressed promptly. Staff members express pride in their work at the school, noting that their well-being and workload are supported by leadership. Parents appreciate the care and nurturing provided by the staff.
The safeguarding arrangements at Appledore School are effective, with staff receiving regular training to identify at-risk pupils. Leaders have established clear systems for managing concerns, ensuring that the needs of pupils and their families are well understood. All pupils feel safe and are educated on how to maintain their safety, including online safety.
While the school demonstrates many strengths, there are areas for improvement. Leaders need to enhance the evaluation of curriculum implementation to ensure that all pupils build their knowledge effectively. Additionally, the needs of some pupils with SEND must be identified and addressed more promptly to facilitate their progress. By focusing on these areas, Appledore School can continue to provide a high-quality education for all its pupils.
