Yealmpstone Farm Primary School in Plymouth has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on May 24 and 25, 2022. The school fosters a friendly environment where pupils thrive, demonstrating care and respect for one another. The curriculum is engaging, and pupils take pride in their learning, as evidenced by the quality of their work and the displays throughout the school. High expectations are set for all students, including those with special educational needs and disadvantaged backgrounds, ensuring that every pupil is inspired to think critically about their world.
Students express a strong sense of belonging, often describing the school as a warm and welcoming place. They follow instructions promptly and exhibit good behavior both in and out of lessons. The school has established a safe environment, with pupils reporting that bullying is rare and that they trust adults to address any issues swiftly. Parents echo this sentiment, with many expressing confidence in the safety of their children at the school.
The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including clubs and trips that enhance the learning experience. Pupils appreciate these opportunities, which allow them to explore life beyond their immediate community. Reading is a central focus at Yealmpstone Farm, with leaders providing a diverse selection of high-quality books. From the outset, pupils are taught to read systematically, with structured phonics sessions that help them develop strong decoding skills. Teachers select texts that captivate students' interests, fostering a love for reading and an understanding of its importance in their education.
The mathematics curriculum is well-organized, with learning divided into manageable units that build knowledge progressively. Teachers effectively assess pupils' understanding of new concepts and provide regular opportunities for review. The curriculum is designed to be broad and engaging, with leaders carefully considering the essential knowledge that pupils should acquire from early years onward. However, there are some inconsistencies in the retention of knowledge across various subjects, which leaders are actively working to address.
Assessment practices in some subjects effectively identify and address gaps in pupils' knowledge, particularly in the early years. Subject leaders are knowledgeable and ensure that teachers have a solid understanding of their subjects. Nonetheless, there are instances where leaders are not fully aware of whether the curriculum is being taught as intended, partly due to disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Pupils with special educational needs are fully included in all school activities, receiving the necessary support to succeed. The school has established effective routines that help pupils understand behavioral expectations, contributing to a positive atmosphere. Children in Reception quickly learn the school's values and expectations.
Staff members take pride in their work at Yealmpstone Farm, appreciating the support they receive from leaders regarding their workload. They benefit from high-quality training and share the ambitious vision set by school leaders. The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with staff trained to recognize signs of abuse and respond appropriately to concerns. Pupils feel safe and confident that adults will assist them with any issues they may face.
To improve, the school needs to clearly identify the essential knowledge that pupils should retain across foundation subjects. This will help address gaps in knowledge and ensure that pupils can build on their prior learning effectively. Overall, Yealmpstone Farm Primary School continues to provide a supportive and enriching educational experience for its pupils.
