Homelands Primary School, located on Westhill Road in Torquay, Devon, has been rated as good in its recent inspection conducted on December 7 and 8, 2021. The school demonstrates a strong commitment to providing a high-quality education for its pupils, with leaders maintaining high expectations for all students, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Pupils express happiness and a sense of safety within the school environment, describing it as a community where they take pride in their achievements.
The curriculum is carefully planned to meet the needs of the pupils, with a particular emphasis on the importance of reading. Pupils are introduced to reading from the start of their education and engage in regular reading sessions, fostering a love for books. This enthusiasm is reflected in the comments of the pupils, who articulate their passion for reading vividly. The school promotes calmness and a desire to learn among its students, who embody the values of friendship, respect, independence, curiosity, and empowerment. They have a solid understanding of bullying and trust that adults will address any issues promptly.
The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including sports and arts clubs, which pupils enjoy. Weekly swimming lessons from Year 1 are particularly valued, as they emphasize the importance of water safety, given the school's coastal location. Leaders are also working to re-establish connections with the local community, which have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
While the school excels in many areas, there are aspects that require improvement. The reading curriculum for older pupils is ambitious but lacks effective sequencing, which can hinder the building of prior knowledge. Leaders are aware of this and are working to enhance the curriculum's structure. In the early years, children in Nursery and Reception are well-supported and develop their vocabulary through well-planned learning opportunities, preparing them effectively for key stage one.
The school’s curriculum is designed to be ambitious for all pupils, including those with special educational needs. Most subjects are sequenced clearly, allowing teachers to build on prior knowledge effectively. However, there are inconsistencies in the implementation of some subjects within the wider curriculum, which can affect the overall impact on pupils' learning. Leaders are focused on ensuring that the curriculum is delivered consistently across all subjects.
Pupils exhibit respectful and polite behavior, understanding the school's behavior management system. Staff actively promote positive behavior and address concerns effectively, resulting in good behavior during lessons and playtimes. Attendance is monitored closely, and while support is provided to families, some pupils still do not attend school as regularly as they should.
The school has a robust personal, social, and health education curriculum, with community visits enhancing pupils' understanding of safety and healthy living. Pupils learn about various religions and cultures, although retention of this knowledge could be improved. They engage in responsibilities through roles such as house captains and peer mediators, contributing to their personal development.
Leaders are knowledgeable about the school and utilize this understanding to drive improvements. Staff feel supported, and well-being is prioritized. The governing body effectively challenges leaders, focusing on the quality of education provided. Safeguarding arrangements are effective, with staff trained to recognize and report concerns, ensuring pupils feel safe and supported. Overall, Homelands Primary School is a good school that is committed to continuous improvement and the well-being of its pupils.
