South Molton United Church of England Primary School, located on Exeter Road in South Molton, Devon, recently underwent an inspection on 13 and 14 September 2023. The overall effectiveness of the school was deemed to require improvement, a downgrade from its previous rating of Good.
The inspection report highlighted several areas that need attention despite the school's commitment to inclusivity and care for its students. While the school has made changes to its curriculum, these changes have not yet translated into effective learning outcomes for many students.
Most pupils and parents express satisfaction with the school's inclusive and caring environment. Parents appreciate the support provided for their children, and pupils actively engage with the school's values celebrated during daily collective worship. However, the report indicates that pupils are not adequately supported to retain essential knowledge, leading to significant gaps in their learning.
Pupils are encouraged to take on responsibilities, such as serving as prefects, and collaborate with school leaders to enhance the school environment. Initiatives like purchasing new equipment for the pond and mud kitchen reflect this collaborative spirit. While pupils learn about online safety and report that staff respond promptly to bullying incidents, there are concerns about low-level disruptions in classrooms that can hinder the learning experience.
Strengths of the school include the introduction of a new phonics curriculum effective in early years and Key Stage 1, a well-planned mathematics curriculum, and a good early years provision. However, areas for improvement include enhancing assessment practices, addressing phonics knowledge gaps among Key Stage 2 pupils, and improving the personal development curriculum to cover fundamental British values, different faiths, and cultures.
The school's safeguarding arrangements were deemed effective, ensuring that pupils feel safe and supported. Recommendations for improvement include implementing robust assessment strategies, deepening staff's subject knowledge for phonics instruction, and reviewing the personal development curriculum to provide more opportunities for learning about equality, citizenship, and different cultures.
In conclusion, while South Molton United Church of England Primary School has a strong foundation in its inclusive ethos and early years provision, significant improvements are needed in curriculum delivery and assessment practices. By addressing these areas, the school can enhance the educational experience for all its pupils and ensure they are well-prepared for their future. Parents and guardians are encouraged to engage with the school through Ofsted Parent View and participate in discussions about their children's education.
