Stoke Gabriel Primary School, located in Devon, has been recognized as a good school following its recent inspection on March 26, 2024. The school fosters a strong sense of community, encouraging pupils to embody values such as character, courage, and creativity. Students express happiness in belonging to this welcoming environment, where they feel safe and are able to learn effectively. The school has high expectations for its pupils, who demonstrate positive attitudes and good behavior, moving through the school in an orderly manner. Playtimes are vibrant, with activities like football and interactions with the school dog, Moose, contributing to a lively atmosphere. For those who find the busy lunchtime environment challenging, a lunchtime club offers a quieter space for indoor activities and staff interaction.
Pupils eagerly anticipate participating in residential trips, which help them develop resilience and confidence through adventurous activities like coasteering. The school provides a variety of extracurricular clubs, including rugby and coding, and values pupil input through the school council, which influences the introduction of new clubs. Parents express satisfaction with the school, praising the dedication and care of the staff.
The curriculum is designed to accommodate mixed-aged classes, with a clear sequence in most subjects that allows pupils to build on prior knowledge. For instance, in mathematics, younger pupils learn about number combinations, which prepares them for more complex concepts like fractions and decimals in later years. Pupils articulate their thought processes well, aiding their understanding of challenging topics.
However, there are areas for improvement. In some subjects, the school has not clearly identified the essential knowledge that pupils need to acquire, leading to inconsistencies in learning depth compared to more established subjects. Additionally, some staff members are uncertain about the best methods to deliver the planned curriculum, which can hinder its intended impact.
In the early years, the school establishes clear routines and high expectations, helping children settle in effectively. Activities in the pre-school focus on developing fine motor skills, while Reception emphasizes language and communication development through guided questioning. Reading is prioritized, with pupils learning phonics from the start and receiving additional support if they struggle. Most pupils achieve good reading skills by the end of key stage one, and older students engage with more complex literary concepts.
The school is committed to supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they have access to the same curriculum as their peers. The leadership in this area is strong, with individualized plans that set measurable targets for these pupils.
While attendance has improved overall, some individual pupils still miss significant amounts of school, which affects their learning. The school is actively working with families to address these barriers, but further efforts are needed to ensure all pupils attend regularly.
Stoke Gabriel Primary School offers numerous opportunities for broader development, including events that promote cultural awareness. However, some pupils' understanding of world religions remains limited. The school successfully instills fundamental British values, fostering respect and understanding of equality among pupils.
Staff feel supported by school leaders, who involve them in decision-making processes, contributing to a positive work environment. Trustees and governors are aware of the school's strengths and areas for improvement, providing effective support and challenge.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. The school is encouraged to refine its curriculum further and enhance strategies to reduce persistent absence, ensuring that all pupils can achieve their full potential.
