St Michael’s Church of England Primary School, located in Kingsteignton, Devon, has been rated as good in its recent inspection conducted on July 5 and 6, 2022. The school has made significant improvements since its previous inspection, which rated it as requiring improvement. The overall effectiveness, quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision have all been rated as good.
Pupils at St Michael’s feel safe and happy, enjoying their time at school. The leadership has fostered an environment where students can express their concerns to adults, ensuring that everyone feels welcome. Staff members are well-acquainted with their pupils and their families, allowing them to provide tailored support to meet individual needs. The school promotes respect and politeness among pupils, who work collaboratively and reflect on their behaviour from an early age. Staff maintain high expectations for behaviour, helping students manage their feelings and resolve conflicts effectively.
The curriculum has seen improvements, particularly in mathematics and early reading, where pupils build their knowledge progressively. In subjects where the curriculum is strong, such as early reading and mathematics, pupils demonstrate a solid understanding of concepts. However, there are areas where the curriculum is less developed, leading to gaps in pupils' knowledge retention. Leaders are aware of these issues and are working to ensure that all subjects are well sequenced and that pupils can build on their prior learning.
Reading is a priority at St Michael’s, with a systematic approach to phonics teaching. Staff are trained to teach phonics effectively, enabling pupils to decode words and develop fluency quickly. The school ensures that reading materials are matched to pupils' phonics knowledge, and those at risk of falling behind receive additional support. Pupils express a love for reading and can discuss various genres and authors confidently.
The school is attentive to the needs of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, identifying their requirements early and providing appropriate support. Personal development is enhanced through strong links with the local church, which helps pupils understand faith and community. The personal, social, and health education programme is well-developed, addressing relevant issues such as gender understanding and consent. Pupils engage in debates on important topics, fostering respect for diverse opinions.
Behaviour in the school is commendable, with pupils making the most of their learning time. Leaders prioritize the emotional and mental health of students, employing trained counsellors to provide additional support when necessary. The governing body plays an active role in the school’s improvement, holding leaders accountable and ensuring that staff workload is manageable.
The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with regular training for staff to recognize and act on any concerns. A culture of safeguarding is evident, allowing pupils to approach adults with any worries. While the school has made significant strides, there are still areas for improvement, particularly in ensuring that the curriculum is consistently sequenced across all subjects. Leaders are committed to addressing these challenges to enhance the educational experience for all pupils. Overall, St Michael’s Church of England Primary School provides a supportive and effective learning environment, fostering both academic and personal growth among its students.
