Moretonhampstead Primary School, located in Devon, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on December 13, 2022. The school fosters a strong sense of community, where older students actively engage with younger pupils, assisting them with reading and serving as positive role models. This collaborative environment is further enhanced by initiatives such as the distribution of awards for demonstrating excellent manners. The school provides numerous opportunities for students of all ages to socialize and collaborate, promoting a culture of support and acceptance among peers.
Pupils, including those with specific needs, are encouraged to take on leadership roles, contributing to various groups such as the eco team, which focuses on environmental protection, and the school council, which organizes fundraising activities. The school environment is calm and purposeful, with students displaying good behavior and a desire to learn. The curriculum includes comprehensive education on bullying, ensuring that students understand it is not tolerated. For those facing challenges in behavior or social-emotional development, additional support is provided through the multi-academy trust, enabling them to develop essential skills for successful learning.
In the early years, children engage enthusiastically with stimulating activities, spending time outdoors to learn about seasons and crafts. Recent changes have integrated pre-school and Reception Year provisions into a cohesive early years unit, benefiting teaching approaches, particularly in early reading. Children are introduced to sounds and rhymes from a young age, preparing them for phonics instruction as they enter Reception. The phonics curriculum is well-established, with children participating eagerly in lessons that incorporate fun routines and songs to aid retention.
While younger students receive daily reading practice and are encouraged to read at home, the approach for older pupils lacks consistency, resulting in some not reading as frequently as they should. This gap affects their reading fluency and enjoyment of literature. The curriculum for early years is designed to build vocabulary and knowledge, but in some subjects, retention of information over time could be improved. Teaching methods do not always facilitate long-term memory, which can hinder students when new concepts require prior knowledge.
Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities are actively included in extracurricular activities, enhancing their confidence and self-esteem. The trust provides valuable support for their behavioral and emotional development, with access to specialized programs and training for staff. The school promotes an understanding of diversity, encouraging students to appreciate differences among individuals from various backgrounds.
Staff members report high levels of job satisfaction and feel well-supported by school leaders, who are committed to ongoing improvement. Governance arrangements are effective, with collaboration among staff from different schools within the trust fostering shared learning and development. The safeguarding measures in place are robust, with well-trained staff and effective reporting systems ensuring a safe environment for all students.
To enhance its performance, the school needs to ensure that reading is prioritized in the curriculum for older pupils, promoting both fluency and enjoyment. Additionally, strategies should be developed to help students retain knowledge over time, ensuring they can build on their learning effectively. Overall, Moretonhampstead Primary School continues to provide a supportive and enriching educational experience for its pupils.
