East Allington Primary School, located in Devon, has recently undergone an inspection that highlighted its overall effectiveness as good. The inspection took place on March 22 and 23, 2023, and evaluated various aspects of the school, including the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision, all of which were rated as good. The school has maintained this level of performance since its previous inspection in April 2017.
Pupils and staff at East Allington Primary School express pride in their school community. The school promotes values of being active, bold, and caring, which are reflected in the positive attitudes of the pupils towards learning and each other. The school fosters a strong sense of belonging, with positive relationships between staff and pupils contributing to a safe and supportive environment. High expectations from staff encourage pupils to strive for their best, and leaders maintain close relationships with families to address the needs of the students effectively.
The school environment is described as calm and purposeful, with pupils demonstrating good behavior. They feel comfortable discussing concerns with adults or peer mediators, and there is a consensus among pupils that bullying is not an issue at the school. Leaders are ambitious for all pupils and collaborate with the multi-academy trust to enhance the curriculum. The curriculum is well-structured, allowing pupils to build on their knowledge and skills progressively. Early years education is particularly strong, with a well-sequenced curriculum that engages children in meaningful learning experiences.
Subject leaders at the school possess strong subject knowledge, enabling them to evaluate the impact of their curriculum effectively. For instance, in mathematics, regular assessments help address any misconceptions promptly, fostering a positive attitude towards the subject among pupils. However, some subject leaders need to improve their evaluation processes to better understand how well the curriculum supports pupils' retention of knowledge.
Reading is a priority across the school, with early years pupils learning phonics effectively. Staff monitor reading progress closely, and reading lessons are well-planned. Nonetheless, there are instances where some staff do not deliver phonics instruction with the necessary precision. The school demonstrates a solid understanding of the needs of individual pupils, particularly those with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring that the curriculum is adapted to support their learning.
Pupils have access to a variety of opportunities for personal development, including roles as eco-warriors and peer mediators. They engage in fundraising activities and learn about social justice and the importance of education for all children. The school promotes respectful behavior and emotional management among pupils, particularly in the early years.
The trust that oversees the school provides effective support for leaders, and the local governing body fulfills its statutory duties well, demonstrating a strong understanding of safeguarding. The school has established a robust safeguarding culture, with staff trained to recognize and respond to concerns about pupil safety. Pupils are educated on how to stay safe, including online safety practices.
To improve further, the school needs to enhance the leadership skills of subject leaders to ensure they can effectively evaluate curriculum delivery and its impact on pupils. This will help in refining teaching practices and ensuring that all pupils benefit from a high-quality education. Overall, East Allington Primary School is a supportive and effective learning environment that prioritizes the well-being and development of its pupils.
