Halberton Primary School is a well-regarded institution located in Tiverton, Devon, with a strong commitment to the education and well-being of its pupils. The recent inspection conducted on 10 and 11 October 2023 rated the school as good across all areas, including the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, while the early years provision was rated outstanding. The school has maintained a good rating since its previous inspection in December 2017.
Pupils at Halberton Primary School report feeling happy and safe, with a strong sense of care from the staff. The school fosters close relationships with families and is proactive in offering support when needed. Parents have expressed high levels of satisfaction, with all respondents to the Ofsted Parent View survey agreeing that their children thrive at the school. The school sets high expectations for behaviour, resulting in a positive atmosphere where pupils, including older students, take pride in being role models for their younger peers.
The school places a strong emphasis on personal development, providing pupils with various opportunities to engage in activities that promote growth and learning. Pupils participate in growing vegetables in the school allotment, develop bushcraft skills in the forest school, and lead initiatives such as the computer coding club. The curriculum is enriched with experiences that enhance learning, including visits from authors, live orchestras, and hands-on scientific activities. Weekly singing sessions in the local church further contribute to the pupils' cultural and social development.
Halberton Primary School is ambitious regarding its educational goals, offering a rich curriculum that encourages the development of communication and language skills from an early age. The school prioritizes reading, with phonics instruction starting in Nursery. Staff are well-trained to support pupils who struggle with reading, ensuring that all students have access to appropriate resources that match their abilities. Pupils enjoy reading and understand the importance of exploring a variety of authors and genres.
The early years provision is particularly noteworthy, with a meticulously planned curriculum that fosters independence and resilience among children. Activities are tailored to match children's interests and abilities, promoting focus and engagement. The use of skilled questioning by adults encourages deeper learning and social interaction among children, who demonstrate kindness and consideration for one another.
Mathematics instruction is well-structured, allowing pupils to apply new knowledge effectively. The wider curriculum incorporates diverse global knowledge, including historical topics relevant to the local community. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in the use of assessment to identify and address gaps in pupils' understanding. The school recognizes the need for staff to enhance their assessment practices to ensure that misconceptions are addressed promptly.
Halberton Primary School prides itself on its inclusive culture, supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities effectively. Early identification of needs ensures that these pupils receive the necessary support while learning alongside their peers. The school promotes values of fairness and respect, teaching pupils about healthy relationships and the importance of treating others with kindness.
Governance at the school is strong, with governors actively involved in supporting and challenging the school to ensure continuous improvement. They prioritize staff well-being, contributing to a positive working environment where staff feel valued and proud to be part of the school community. Overall, Halberton Primary School is a thriving educational establishment that successfully combines academic achievement with personal development, creating a nurturing environment for all its pupils.
