Stoke Canon Church of England Primary School and Pre-School, located in Exeter, Devon, received a positive inspection report following its evaluation on November 15 and 16, 2022. The school was rated as good in all areas, including overall effectiveness, quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. The school community, comprising pupils, staff, and parents, expresses a strong sense of belonging and pride in the institution. Leaders emphasize values such as compassion, integrity, and kindness, which are integral to the school culture.
Pupils demonstrate enthusiasm for learning and are aware of the expectations set by staff regarding both academic performance and behaviour. The school environment is described as calm and productive, with older students supporting younger ones in adhering to school rules. Instances of bullying are reported to be infrequent, and pupils feel confident that staff will address any concerns promptly, contributing to a sense of safety within the school.
Parents who participated in the survey overwhelmingly recommend the school, highlighting the smooth transition their children experience when entering the pre-school. The curriculum is ambitious and designed to cater to all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Leaders have clearly outlined the essential knowledge pupils should acquire and the timeline for this learning. Teachers regularly assess pupils' understanding and use this information to inform future lessons, ensuring that learning builds on prior knowledge.
Reading is prioritized, and pupils are engaged in developing their phonics skills effectively. Staff are well-trained in phonics instruction, and pupils are provided with reading materials that match their abilities. This approach fosters confidence and enhances comprehension skills. The school also ensures that pupils who may be falling behind receive the necessary support to catch up.
In the early years, most children are reported to learn well, with staff establishing clear routines that promote positive interactions among children. However, there are instances where opportunities for consolidating learning could be improved, as some children may not deepen their understanding of key concepts.
Leaders organize various trips and residential visits to enrich the curriculum, with pupils expressing enthusiasm for these experiences. The school promotes an understanding of world religions and encourages respect for diverse beliefs and backgrounds. Staff members report high levels of job satisfaction and feel supported in their roles, with leaders actively listening to their feedback.
Governors play an essential role in supporting and challenging school leaders, fostering a shared understanding of areas for development. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with pupils feeling safe and learning about safety through the curriculum and assemblies. Staff are vigilant in identifying and addressing concerns, ensuring that vulnerable families receive appropriate support.
Despite the positive aspects, the inspection identified areas for improvement. Some teachers lack the expertise to break down learning into manageable steps, which can hinder pupils' knowledge retention. Additionally, early years teachers need to provide more opportunities for children to consolidate their learning. Leaders are encouraged to enhance staff subject knowledge to ensure effective delivery of the curriculum.
Overall, Stoke Canon Church of England Primary School and Pre-School demonstrates a commitment to providing a supportive and effective learning environment, with a focus on continuous improvement and the well-being of its pupils.
