West Croft School, located in Bideford, Devon, has undergone a recent inspection that highlights its overall effectiveness as good. The inspection took place on February 15 and 16, 2022, and marked a significant improvement from its previous grade of requires improvement. The school is larger than the average primary school, with a diverse student body of 574 pupils aged between 2 and 11 years. The leadership team, including the headteacher and newly appointed deputy headteacher, has established high expectations for student achievement and personal development.
The curriculum at West Croft is designed to support both academic and personal growth, fostering well-rounded learners. Pupils engage in a variety of purposeful experiences that promote tolerance and respect for others. They are encouraged to understand and appreciate diversity, discussing different faiths and beliefs with confidence. The school environment is generally positive, with pupils reporting that behavior is mostly good. Staff effectively manage instances of challenging behavior, ensuring that all students feel safe and supported.
Parents express satisfaction with the school's approach to education, noting the engaging and imaginative learning experiences provided for their children. The school prioritizes language and communication in the early years, creating a language-rich environment that enhances children's development. Phonics instruction is effective, enabling pupils to become fluent readers. However, some pupils in key stage two exhibit gaps in their phonic knowledge, which affects their reading fluency. The school recognizes this issue and aims to provide consistent support to help all pupils improve their reading skills.
Mathematics instruction is well-structured, with teachers demonstrating strong subject knowledge. They quickly address misconceptions, allowing pupils to build on their prior knowledge effectively. The curriculum for mathematics is designed to engage pupils, who enjoy the subject and appreciate the support they receive from their teachers. In the early years, children explore mathematical concepts through play, fostering curiosity and success.
While the wider curriculum is organized to ensure clarity in what pupils should learn, assessment practices in some subjects need improvement. Teachers do not always have a clear understanding of pupils' knowledge gaps, which can hinder effective teaching. Leaders are committed to addressing this by ensuring consistent use of assessment to track pupil progress over time.
The school has high expectations for behavior and conduct, with pupils generally demonstrating good manners and focus during lessons. Personal development is integrated into the curriculum, helping pupils become responsible citizens. They are provided with diverse experiences that promote independence and character building, preparing them well for future learning stages.
Governors play an active role in supporting the school's priorities, providing effective challenge to leaders, particularly regarding curriculum development. Staff feel supported by leadership, especially during the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Safeguarding arrangements are robust, with staff receiving regular training and pupils feeling confident in reporting concerns.
To further improve, the school must ensure that all teachers consistently assess pupils' knowledge and provide effective support for reading fluency, particularly for those in key stage two. By addressing these areas, West Croft School can continue to enhance its educational offerings and support all pupils in achieving their full potential.
