Landscove Church of England Primary School, located in Devon, was inspected on January 28 and 29, 2020, and received an overall effectiveness rating of good. The school is characterized by a strong sense of community and is deeply rooted in Christian values. Many families choose to travel significant distances to enroll their children, indicating a high level of parental commitment and satisfaction. The leadership team effectively prepares students for life in modern Britain, ensuring that they are informed about local, national, and global issues. Pupils demonstrate mature perspectives on important topics such as racism and climate change, and they actively engage in supporting various charities.
Students express a high level of enjoyment in their school experience and demonstrate a strong work ethic in their lessons, which is attributed to the high expectations set by the staff. From the early years, children are encouraged to engage positively in their learning environment. The school promotes a culture where bullying is not tolerated, and pupils feel confident in raising any concerns they may have, knowing that staff will provide support. The sense of friendship among students is palpable, contributing to a positive atmosphere.
The school offers a variety of additional learning opportunities, including trips and visits that enhance the curriculum and make learning more engaging. Feedback from pupils indicates that these experiences significantly enrich their educational journey. The early years curriculum is designed to spark curiosity and interest, laying a solid foundation for future learning.
While the quality of education is generally good, there are areas for improvement. The school has experienced considerable staff turnover in recent years, and while support is provided for new teachers, it has not always been sufficiently tailored to address specific needs. This has resulted in some inconsistencies in subject planning and leadership. However, the art curriculum stands out for its high quality, allowing pupils to build on their knowledge and skills progressively. In contrast, subjects like computing and modern languages require better organization to ensure that students can effectively build on prior learning.
Reading is a notable strength of the school, with leaders having refined their approach over time. Investments in books and staff training have fostered a positive reading culture among pupils, who are enthusiastic about the literature they encounter. The phonics and early reading programs are well-structured, enabling children to develop essential reading skills quickly. Teachers effectively integrate language use in the classroom, which supports children's writing development.
Despite improvements in attendance, some families still take their children on holiday during term time, which can disrupt learning and create gaps in knowledge. The school is committed to addressing this issue by working closely with families to emphasize the importance of regular attendance.
The school effectively supports pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they have access to the full curriculum. Staff are knowledgeable about their students and tailor work to meet individual abilities, contributing to the success of these pupils.
Overall, staff morale is high, with many expressing satisfaction with their work environment. The safeguarding measures in place are effective, with staff receiving regular training to ensure the safety of all pupils. The school community is characterized by a commitment to continuous improvement and a focus on providing a nurturing and supportive educational experience for all students.
