All Saints Babbacombe CofE Primary School, located in Torquay, Devon, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on March 28 and 29, 2023. The leadership team at the school maintains high expectations for all pupils, fostering an environment where the school's core values of joy, courage, forgiveness, respect, and hope are actively demonstrated by students. The ambitious curriculum encourages positive attitudes towards learning, with pupils showing enthusiasm for their studies and a willingness to engage with their peers, particularly in reading activities.
The school is characterized by strong relationships among staff, pupils, and parents, contributing to a calm and purposeful atmosphere. Pupils feel safe and supported, knowing they can approach adults with any concerns. Instances of bullying are rare, and when they do occur, the leadership addresses them effectively. The pride pupils take in their school is evident, as they enjoy participating in reward systems and celebrating their achievements during assemblies.
Leaders have made significant strides in designing a curriculum that enhances pupils' knowledge retention and understanding. Reading has been prioritized, with a new library that pupils utilize to explore a diverse range of books, fostering a love for reading. Most pupils are successful in learning phonics, although some staff members still require further development in their subject knowledge to provide the expert support needed for all pupils to progress rapidly.
The mathematics curriculum is well-structured, with lessons that are appropriately sequenced. Teachers effectively model mathematical language and techniques, identifying gaps in pupils' knowledge to tailor learning experiences. This approach has resulted in pupils becoming confident in their mathematical abilities. The wider curriculum is also well-planned, with pupils expressing excitement about the historical topics they study. However, there are areas where assessment practices could be improved to ensure that teachers can quickly address any misconceptions.
Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities receive strong support, with leaders ensuring that staff are equipped to identify and address these needs early on. This proactive approach allows for effective adaptations in teaching, ensuring that all pupils can access the full curriculum. The school promotes a sense of belonging among pupils, who are guided by the school's values in making positive choices. The range of extracurricular activities, including clubs and trips, further enriches the educational experience.
In the early years, children demonstrate good emotional regulation and behavior management, supported by clear routines established by staff. The leadership team has garnered support from staff, who feel a sense of belonging within the wider trust. They appreciate the collaborative opportunities that arise from working with other professionals and feel that their voices are heard by leaders.
Governors and trustees play an active role in supporting and challenging the school's leadership, ensuring that they are aware of the school's strengths and areas for improvement. They prioritize collaboration among leaders within the trust to enhance pupil outcomes.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, with a strong culture of safety promoted by leaders. Staff receive up-to-date training to recognize signs of potential harm, ensuring that appropriate support is provided to pupils and their families. The school maintains accurate safeguarding records and conducts regular checks to identify areas for development.
Despite the school's many strengths, there are areas for improvement. Some staff members lack the subject expertise necessary to implement the curriculum effectively, leading to gaps in pupils' knowledge. Leaders must provide the necessary support to ensure that all staff can deliver an ambitious curriculum. Additionally, certain subjects within the wider curriculum require further development to ensure that pupils learn to their full potential. Leaders need to gain a more accurate understanding of how these subjects are being taught to address any weaknesses effectively.
Overall, All Saints Babbacombe CofE Primary School continues to provide a supportive and enriching environment for its pupils, with a commitment to high standards and continuous improvement. The school is well-positioned to build on its successes and address the areas identified for development, ensuring that all pupils receive the quality education they deserve.
