Stoke Fleming Community Primary School, located in Dartmouth, Devon, was inspected on 5 and 6 April 2022. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as good, with specific areas such as the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, and leadership and management also receiving good ratings. Notably, personal development was rated as outstanding, and early years provision was also deemed good. This inspection marked the first evaluation of the school under the current framework since it became an academy in 2014, following a previous outstanding rating for its predecessor.
Pupils at Stoke Fleming are proud to attend the school and benefit from a diverse range of opportunities that promote personal growth. The school emphasizes a character curriculum, which helps students understand life beyond their immediate environment. Initiatives such as supporting an Indian street school foster a sense of global awareness and empathy among pupils. The leadership opportunities available to students contribute to their understanding of local and global issues, ensuring they are well-prepared for life in modern Britain.
The school has a strong anti-bullying culture, with pupils expressing confidence that bullying is not tolerated. They feel safe and supported, a sentiment echoed by parents who participated in the Ofsted Parent View survey. High expectations from staff lead to positive behaviour and attitudes towards learning among pupils.
The curriculum at Stoke Fleming is ambitious and well-structured, ensuring that pupils acquire the necessary knowledge and skills by the time they leave Year 6. Subject links are carefully designed to reinforce learning, and teachers benefit from high-quality training. Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities receive effective support, with tailored plans developed in collaboration with parents and external agencies.
Despite the strengths of the curriculum, recent changes in some areas have not yet been fully evaluated for their impact on pupil learning. Leaders are aware of the need to assess these changes more thoroughly. In the early years, improvements have been noted, indicating a positive trend in children's learning and readiness for Year 1.
Reading is a key focus, with staff fostering a love of reading from the outset. Children learn essential phonics skills, and the curriculum is designed to support their reading development effectively. However, there is a need for clearer sequencing in the reading curriculum for Key Stage 2 to ensure that all pupils are adequately prepared for their future learning.
Pupils demonstrate a mature understanding of equality and take on various responsibilities within the school, such as organizing sporting events. The personal, social, and health education curriculum equips them with knowledge about healthy relationships. Parents express high levels of satisfaction with the school, highlighting its integral role in the local community.
Safeguarding measures are robust, with staff trained to recognize and respond to potential risks. Leaders collaborate with various agencies to provide appropriate support for pupils and their families. Overall, Stoke Fleming Community Primary School is a nurturing environment where pupils thrive academically and personally, although there are areas for improvement in curriculum sequencing and impact assessment.
