Bishops Nympton Primary School, located in Devon, underwent an inspection on January 24 and 25, 2023. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as requiring improvement, with specific areas such as the quality of education, leadership and management, and early years provision also receiving the same rating. However, the school demonstrated good performance in behavior and attitudes, as well as personal development. The previous inspection in February 2017 had rated the school as good.
Pupils at Bishops Nympton Primary School express enjoyment in attending, describing it as a friendly learning environment. Despite this positive atmosphere, the quality of education varies across subjects, with some pupils struggling to recall prior learning. The curriculum does not effectively support long-term retention of knowledge. Nevertheless, leaders and staff maintain high expectations for pupil behavior, resulting in a polite and respectful student body. This positive behavior is evident from early years, where children show eagerness to learn and follow instructions well, contributing to a calm classroom environment.
Pupils feel safe and happy at school, with parents and carers echoing this sentiment. Strong relationships between staff and pupils foster a supportive atmosphere, and pupils report that bullying is not an issue, with confidence in adults to address any concerns swiftly. The school offers a variety of extracurricular clubs, including football, netball, and choir, which pupils enjoy. They also take pride in their involvement with the school council, participating in charitable activities and events.
While leaders have a clear vision for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, this ambition is not fully realized in the curriculum. In certain subjects, the essential knowledge that pupils should acquire is not clearly defined, leading to gaps in understanding. Some subject leaders lack a comprehensive understanding of pupil learning in their areas, resulting in insufficient progress from early years through to Year 6.
Reading is a priority for the school, and a new phonics program has been implemented, showing positive results. Early years children begin phonics immediately, with books aligned to their learning, fostering confidence and effective reading skills. Older pupils receive support to catch up if they fall behind, and they express enjoyment in reading, which enhances their comprehension.
However, the mathematics curriculum is not fully developed, lacking logical organization and clarity in presenting new material. This has led to difficulties for some pupils in grasping new concepts and applying their knowledge to more complex tasks. Leaders are working to improve the curriculum in other subjects, such as art, where clear learning objectives are established, and knowledge is built effectively.
Teachers do not consistently check pupil understanding before introducing new material, hindering knowledge retention and progress. In early years, some activities are not well planned, leading to disengagement among the youngest learners. Effective systems are in place for identifying the needs of pupils with SEND, but some support plans are not reviewed promptly, affecting the ability to adapt the curriculum accordingly.
Pupils display positive attitudes towards learning and behave well during lessons and social interactions. Older pupils often engage with younger ones, fostering a caring school community. Leaders thoughtfully plan for personal development, providing opportunities for pupils to build character and resilience. Governors are aware of the areas needing improvement and hold leaders accountable for their actions. Staff report a collaborative working environment, appreciating leaders' consideration of their workload and well-being.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, with a strong culture of safeguarding in place. Leaders are knowledgeable about vulnerable pupils and work with external agencies to provide necessary support. Staff are trained to identify and report concerns promptly, ensuring pupil safety both online and offline. Overall, while Bishops Nympton Primary School has strengths in behavior and personal development, significant improvements are needed in the quality of education and curriculum planning to enhance pupil learning outcomes.
