Doddiscombsleigh Primary School, located in Exeter, Devon, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on April 26, 2023. The school is characterized by a small and friendly environment where pupils express happiness and pride in being part of the Doddi family. The leadership team, including both school and federation leaders, maintains high aspirations for all students, encouraging them to achieve their best. Pupils display a keen interest in learning, often describing it as a playful experience for the mind.
The school fosters a positive atmosphere by rewarding success and good behavior, with pupils eager to earn house points and badges, which they wear with pride. The core values of respect, resilience, aspiration, and kindness are evident in the interactions among pupils, ensuring that no one feels excluded. Additionally, pupils demonstrate a solid understanding of British values, contributing to a well-rounded educational experience.
Leaders at Doddiscombsleigh Primary School provide a diverse range of opportunities that enhance pupils' character and interests. These include educational visits to coastal areas and places of worship, as well as a variety of extracurricular clubs such as mountain biking, skipping, and sports. Parents and carers express satisfaction with the education their children receive, highlighting the school's nurturing environment that fosters a sense of community.
The school excels in its curriculum design, which is tailored to meet the needs of all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Teachers ensure that knowledge and skills progress appropriately across year groups, taking into account the mixed-age classes. The assessment practices in mathematics and English are well-developed, allowing pupils to build on their prior learning effectively. For instance, younger pupils develop a strong understanding of numbers, while older pupils demonstrate proficiency in their times tables.
Reading is a priority at Doddiscombsleigh, with a phonics and early reading curriculum delivered by skilled staff. Children in Reception begin learning phonics immediately, and they quickly develop their reading skills. Older pupils become enthusiastic readers, exploring a wide range of literature, while younger pupils also enjoy reading and participate in engaging activities related to their class books.
The school is committed to supporting all learners, including those with special educational needs. Staff adapt lessons to meet diverse learning needs, ensuring that all pupils can access the full curriculum. Behaviour is consistently good, and the school emphasizes the importance of physical and mental health, with initiatives like a daily checklist to promote well-being.
Staff members appreciate their roles at Doddiscombsleigh and the professional development opportunities available through the federation. The governing body is supportive and aware of the challenges faced by a small school, ensuring that staff workloads are manageable.
Safeguarding arrangements are effective, with leaders knowing their families well and ensuring that staff receive regular training to identify risks. Pupils are educated about safe and unsafe behaviours and are encouraged to communicate any concerns to trusted adults.
While the school demonstrates many strengths, there are areas for improvement. Leaders need to develop strategies for assessing pupils' knowledge in foundation subjects to ensure that gaps in learning are identified and addressed effectively. Overall, Doddiscombsleigh Primary School continues to provide a supportive and enriching educational experience for its pupils.
