Blackpool Church of England Primary School, located in Liverton, Newton Abbot, Devon, underwent an inspection on July 9 and 10, 2024, and received an overall effectiveness rating of Good. The school is led by Headteacher Russell Pearson and is part of the First Federation Trust, which oversees multiple schools in the region. The trust is managed by CEO Paul Walker and a board of trustees chaired by Alex Walmsley. The school was last inspected 12 years ago, receiving an Outstanding rating under a previous framework. Since then, the school has been exempt from routine inspections until November 2020, resulting in a longer gap between graded inspections.
The inspection highlighted that pupils at Blackpool Church of England Primary School are polite, welcoming, and proud of their school. They appreciate the opportunities available to them, including roles of responsibility such as school council representatives and house captains. The school offers enriching trips and experiences that prepare pupils well for their future educational stages. Recent improvements in curriculum design have positively impacted pupils' learning, enabling them to retain knowledge effectively. Reception children are well-prepared for key stage one, and pupils generally exhibit positive behavior and attitudes towards learning.
Despite the school's strengths, it has faced significant changes that necessitated a cultural shift. The school has identified clear priorities for improvement, which are beginning to show positive results. However, some pupils experience inconsistencies in how staff respond to their learning and emotional needs. The trust has provided valuable support during this transition, but there are areas where clarity and strategy are lacking, leading to variations in the effectiveness of different provisions.
Pupils are becoming proficient readers, enjoying high-quality texts and structured reading sessions. The curriculum is ambitious and well-structured, particularly in subjects like art and mathematics, where careful consideration has been given to content and teaching order. However, there are subjects where pupils do not learn as effectively due to a lack of teacher expertise, which can diminish enthusiasm for learning. The school recognizes the need to enhance teachers' subject knowledge and understanding of effective teaching strategies.
The provision for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities is improving, with staff increasingly understanding the diverse needs of these pupils. The Hive, the school's nurture provision, plays a crucial role in supporting students' social and emotional well-being. Many stakeholders, including parents and staff, acknowledge the positive changes implemented by the new headteacher and express confidence in the school's ongoing improvement efforts.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. To further enhance the quality of education, the school must continue to develop its curriculum across all subjects, ensuring that teachers possess the necessary skills and knowledge to engage pupils effectively. The recent changes need to be fully embedded to ensure consistency in teaching approaches and to meet the diverse needs of all learners. The trust's ongoing support will be vital in achieving these goals and ensuring that the school continues to improve and provide a high-quality education for its pupils.
