Nestled in the picturesque village of Buckland Monachorum, Yelverton, Devon, St Andrew’s Church of England Primary School has once again been recognized for its outstanding educational practices. Following an inspection on March 28 and 29, 2023, the school has maintained its status as a good school, a testament to its commitment to fostering a nurturing and effective learning environment.
At the heart of St Andrew’s is a strong set of values: love, joy, hope, resilience, respect, and friendship. These principles are not just words; they are woven into the fabric of daily school life. Pupils are taught the importance of being caring and thoughtful members of society, and they learn to respect one another through the positive relationships modeled by the staff. This supportive atmosphere has led to a remarkable reduction in bullying incidents, with students struggling to recall the last occurrence due to its rarity.
The leadership team at St Andrew’s sets high expectations for all pupils, who respond by striving to meet these standards. Recent improvements in behavior expectations have created calm and orderly classrooms, where politeness and good manners are the norm. Parents have noted the positive changes implemented by the school leaders, praising the broad range of opportunities available to students that prepare them well for future educational stages.
The school has made significant strides in enhancing its curriculum, particularly in core subjects like reading and mathematics. Teachers are adept at breaking down learning into manageable steps, ensuring that pupils build on their existing knowledge. However, the inspection highlighted that while progress is evident in core subjects, some foundation subjects require further refinement in their learning sequences to enhance knowledge retention.
Reading is a priority at St Andrew’s, with staff regularly reading diverse books aloud to students. This practice not only fosters a love for reading but also exposes pupils to various cultures and text types. The phonics program is well-structured, enabling pupils to become fluent readers, with additional support provided for those who struggle.
In the early years, children are introduced to phonics as soon as they join the school. Staff are well-equipped to nurture curiosity and resilience, creating an environment that encourages exploration and independent learning. For pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), leaders are proactive in identifying needs and providing tailored support. However, there is room for improvement in ensuring that learning targets for these pupils are specific and actionable.
St Andrew’s places a strong emphasis on personal development, with pupils taking pride in their roles within the school community, such as playground leaders. They are educated about the diverse lives of others, preparing them for life in modern Britain. The school’s rural location does not limit its commitment to broadening pupils’ horizons.
The staff at St Andrew’s have expressed appreciation for the support they receive from school leaders, particularly regarding their well-being amidst the changes implemented in recent years. The governing body demonstrates a robust understanding of their responsibilities, effectively supporting and challenging school leaders to maintain high educational standards.
The school’s safeguarding arrangements are effective, with a strong culture of safety promoted by leaders. Staff are well-trained in identifying and reporting concerns, ensuring that pupils feel secure and supported.
While St Andrew’s Church of England Primary School has much to celebrate, the inspection identified areas for further development, particularly in refining the curriculum design for foundation subjects and enhancing the precision of support for pupils with SEND. Leaders are committed to addressing these areas to ensure that all pupils can thrive.
In conclusion, St Andrew’s Church of England Primary School stands as a model of excellence in education, fostering a supportive and enriching environment for its pupils. With a dedicated staff, engaged parents, and a clear vision for the future, the school is well-positioned to continue its journey of improvement and success.
