Ashburton Primary School, located in Newton Abbot, Devon, has recently undergone an inspection on the 10th and 11th of May 2023. The overall effectiveness of the school has been rated as good, reflecting the positive experiences of pupils and the quality of education provided. The school has maintained this good rating since its previous inspection in March 2017.
Pupils at Ashburton Primary School exhibit a strong enthusiasm for learning, entering the school each day with smiles and eagerness. The welcoming environment created by the caring staff fosters a sense of belonging and encourages pupils to seek help when needed. Respect among peers is evident, as students adhere to school rules and appreciate the rewards for their positive behavior. The school promotes active participation in discussions on important issues, with pupils engaging in oracy assemblies that enhance their communication skills and prepare them to be informed global citizens.
The school encourages pupils to take on responsibilities, such as serving as school councillors and house captains. Play leaders play a vital role in promoting physical activity during break times, organizing engaging activities like skipping challenges. Pupils also value educational trips, which include visits to the theatre and local residential homes, enriching their learning experiences outside the classroom.
Leaders at Ashburton Primary School demonstrate a clear ambition for providing a high-quality education to all pupils. The school is recognized for its inclusivity, effectively supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities. The nurture classroom is a key resource, helping some pupils build confidence and manage their emotions, allowing them to reintegrate into mainstream learning successfully.
The leadership team has high expectations for pupil learning and carefully considers the knowledge that should be imparted. Staff utilize well-selected resources to teach complex concepts, as seen in science lessons where pupils learn about the conditions for germ spread. However, the school has faced challenges this academic year due to significant staff changes, which have hindered the implementation of further curriculum improvements. Consequently, some subjects are more developed than others.
Reading is a strong focus at Ashburton Primary School, with pupils expressing a desire to engage with literature. They read widely and regularly, contributing to their development as confident and fluent readers. The school has a structured phonics and reading curriculum that begins in the Reception Year, ensuring that children learn to read effectively from the outset. Support for pupils requiring additional help is timely and effective, enabling them to progress in their reading skills.
In most subjects, staff are adept at identifying and addressing misconceptions as they arise. For instance, in mathematics, number formation is consistently corrected. However, in some areas, leaders have not sufficiently considered how to support pupils in retaining important knowledge over the long term. This gap can lead to difficulties in recalling prior learning, which is essential for understanding new concepts.
Children in the Reception Year engage happily with peers and adults, learning essential routines and developing independence in their learning and self-care. Staff employ thoughtfully crafted questions to extend children's understanding, fostering a rich learning environment.
The school places significant emphasis on personal development, with a comprehensive personal, social, and health education curriculum that prepares pupils for future challenges. Pupils demonstrate fundamental British values, including respect and tolerance, through their behavior and interactions. They are educated on maintaining physical and mental health and are taught to navigate online safety effectively. The support provided by staff, including nurture and pastoral care, contributes to the overall well-being of pupils.
Leaders and staff appreciate the collaborative support from the trust, working together to implement necessary improvements. Regular checks by trustees ensure that the leadership's efforts positively impact pupils. Staff feel valued and supported in their well-being, with leaders actively seeking and acting on their feedback.
The safeguarding arrangements at Ashburton Primary School are effective, with leaders committed to ensuring pupil safety. Staff receive ongoing training and understand that safeguarding is a collective responsibility. Pupils feel secure and trust adults to assist them with any concerns, utilizing systems like 'red circles' to communicate their needs.
To enhance the quality of education further, leaders must focus on ensuring that pupils retain important content across all subjects. This will enable pupils to draw on previous learning to support their current and future studies. Additionally, leaders should utilize insights from curriculum quality checks to inform future planning, ensuring a consistent high standard of education across all subjects.
