Great Torrington Bluecoat Church of England Primary School, located in Torrington, Devon, has recently undergone an ungraded inspection on September 19 and 20, 2023. The overall judgement of the school remains good, although the evidence suggests that the grade might not be as high if a graded inspection were conducted at this time. The next inspection will be a graded one.
The school is recognized for its inclusive and caring environment, fostering a sense of safety among pupils who feel comfortable approaching any adult with concerns. However, it has been noted that pupils do not currently achieve to their full potential. The school promotes the ethos of the ‘fruit of the spirit,’ emphasizing the importance of each pupil's contribution and focusing on personal development. Events like ‘Empowerment Day’ allow pupils to celebrate their individual skills.
Pupils exhibit politeness and good manners, with mutual respect evident between staff and students. The school prioritizes building strong relationships to enhance pupil behavior, although the approach to behavior management lacks consistency across the school. Pupils are exposed to global perspectives, such as writing to pen pals in Germany and participating in exchange visits, which broadens their understanding of the world beyond their immediate community.
The school effectively utilizes forest school activities to develop skills beyond academics, teaching pupils about nature, risk, and safety, which contributes to their understanding of a healthy lifestyle. Recent changes to the curriculum have been implemented, but their impact on learning, particularly in writing, does not consistently meet the school's ambitions. The school is aware of this and is actively working to improve the implementation of the new curriculum to achieve the desired outcomes for pupils.
The school sets high expectations for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, with staff demonstrating detailed knowledge and adapting teaching accordingly. The specialist provisions, ‘Bluecoat’ and ‘Nest,’ are particularly effective in helping these pupils develop essential learning and social skills. Pupils enjoy reading and have access to a diverse range of authors, with effective support provided for those struggling with phonics. However, teaching does not consistently develop communication and language skills for younger children, leading to gaps in knowledge.
The mathematics curriculum is well-structured, but teachers do not always check pupils’ understanding effectively, resulting in misconceptions that are not addressed. This can lead to distractions and low-level disruptions in some classes. The wider curriculum is still in its early stages, with connections to local history and celebrations, but the school has not clearly identified the essential knowledge pupils need to retain, affecting their ability to recall previous learning.
Pupils have a basic understanding of fundamental British values, learning about tolerance and respect for diverse beliefs. They have opportunities to take on roles such as pupil councillors and peer mediators, which help build their confidence. Staff foster strong relationships with parents, aiding children’s transition in the early years, and activities are well-planned to support children’s interests and learning.
The school has effective safeguarding arrangements in place. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in assessment practices and behavior expectations. Teachers need support in using assessment information to adapt learning effectively, ensuring pupils can build on prior knowledge. Additionally, consistent high expectations for behavior across all staff are necessary to minimize disruptions and enhance the learning environment.
