Modbury Primary School is a community-focused institution located in Devon, where pupils express pride in their school and feel secure, knowing they have access to supportive adults. The school offers an ambitious curriculum that emphasizes local environmental appreciation while also broadening students' perspectives on the wider world. Pupils actively engage in community service, raising funds for local charities and collaborating with law enforcement to enhance community safety. The school utilizes its local environment for educational purposes, with Year 5 students learning to sail and additional swimming lessons provided for those needing extra support. These experiences foster confidence and resilience among students, while the sensory garden serves as a space for reflection.
Leadership opportunities abound at Modbury Primary, with students elected to the school council and sports council, working together to fundraise for new playground equipment. Older students take on mentorship roles, acting as playground buddies for younger peers. Since the last inspection, the school has made significant strides in curriculum development, with strategic leadership ensuring effective management of these changes. Consequently, the quality of education has improved, as evidenced by published outcomes.
In the Reception class, children begin learning to read immediately, benefiting from daily phonics sessions that help them grasp sounds quickly. They read books aligned with their phonetic knowledge, leading to strong achievement among most pupils. Those who struggle are identified promptly, although not all staff have received adequate training to deliver this aspect of the curriculum effectively, which can hinder some pupils' learning.
The curriculum is thoughtfully designed to build knowledge and skills progressively from Reception to Year 6, with mathematics being a notable strength. Reception activities are tailored to develop a solid understanding of numbers, and teachers across the school effectively use assessments to gauge pupils' mathematical comprehension, fostering confident discussions about the subject. However, some subjects are not implemented as effectively, with learning activities occasionally failing to align with pupils' capabilities. This misalignment can result in gaps in knowledge for some students, while others may not be sufficiently challenged.
Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities receive strong support throughout the school, with personalized provisions developed in collaboration with staff and external agencies. This ensures that these pupils enjoy their learning experiences and achieve well. The Reception environment is well-resourced, with activities reflecting children's interests and celebrating their work, such as role-playing as vegetable sellers.
Positive relationships between staff and pupils contribute to a conducive learning environment, where low-level disruptions are swiftly addressed. Staff maintain high expectations for behavior, and pupils are aware of school rules and expectations. Incidents of bullying are rare, and the school responds promptly to any occurrences, ensuring appropriate support is provided to prevent future incidents.
The personal development curriculum is extensive, covering online safety and rural community risks. Pupils demonstrate knowledge of fundamental British values and connect these concepts to current events. They express enthusiasm for educational trips that deepen their understanding of historical events. Governors are well-informed about the school's strengths and areas for improvement, providing a balanced mix of challenge and support to school leaders. Staff take pride in their roles within the school.
The safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. However, the school recognizes the need to adapt learning activities more effectively to meet diverse pupil needs, ensuring all students progress through the curriculum. Additionally, the development of staff subject knowledge is ongoing to enhance the delivery of the curriculum.
