Sidmouth Church of England (VA) Primary School, located in Devon, was inspected on 14-15 May 2019 and received an overall effectiveness rating of good. The school demonstrates strong leadership and management, with leaders prioritizing early reading skills, which has led to pupils making significant progress from their starting points. The quality of teaching, learning, and assessment is also rated as good, with teachers effectively tailoring activities to meet the diverse needs of pupils. The school fosters a positive environment where pupils feel safe and valued, contributing to their personal development and well-being.
Pupils exhibit strong progress in writing, although they show less confidence in using punctuation accurately. The early years provision is engaging, but there are instances where children do not fully utilize the range of activities available, particularly in writing. Leaders have high expectations for both staff and pupils, and staff benefit from professional development opportunities that enhance the quality of education provided.
The curriculum is broad and balanced, allowing pupils to develop a secure understanding across various subjects, including foundation subjects like history and science. Mathematics instruction is rich and varied, promoting fluency, reasoning, and problem-solving skills. The school has successfully engaged parents in their children's education, with opportunities for parents to assist in the classroom during drop-off times.
Pupils' behavior is commendable, with a polite and courteous demeanor observed throughout the school. Attendance is improving, and pupils feel safe, with staff effectively addressing any welfare concerns. The school has implemented a new behavior strategy that has positively impacted pupils' conduct.
Despite the overall positive findings, the school recognizes areas for improvement. Specifically, there is a need to enhance the quality of early years provision to ensure that children's physical development supports their writing skills. Additionally, middle leaders need to have their roles embedded effectively to monitor and evaluate their areas of responsibility, particularly concerning disadvantaged pupils. Leaders are also encouraged to use information about pupils' knowledge and understanding with greater precision to evaluate the school's performance accurately.
The school has made strides in supporting disadvantaged pupils, with some showing accelerated progress. However, there is still work to be done to ensure that all pupils, particularly those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), receive the support they need to catch up with their peers. The school has effective systems in place for monitoring progress and providing targeted support.
In summary, Sidmouth Church of England Primary School is a good school that has made significant progress since its establishment. The leadership team is committed to continuous improvement, and the positive relationships fostered between staff, pupils, and parents contribute to a nurturing learning environment. The school is well-positioned to address the identified areas for improvement and continue to enhance the educational experience for all its pupils.
