Lady Modiford’s Church of England Primary School, located in Walkhampton, Yelverton, Devon, was inspected on 10-11 July 2019 and received an overall effectiveness rating of good. The leadership and management of the school are characterized by ambition and collaboration among leaders and governors, who work diligently to enhance the quality of teaching and learning. Staff members are reflective and committed to improving their practices, which positively impacts pupil outcomes. The school has a clear understanding of its strengths and weaknesses, although the action plans for improvement could benefit from more precise criteria to help governors assess the impact of their initiatives on pupil achievement.
The curriculum is a notable strength, effectively utilizing the local environment to enrich pupils' understanding of the world and their roles as citizens. Teachers demonstrate strong subject knowledge and employ effective questioning techniques that foster critical thinking among pupils, leading to strong progress. Early years leaders are adept at planning engaging learning experiences that support children's development, particularly in mathematical reasoning. However, some lower-ability pupils struggle to consolidate their writing skills, which can hinder their progress. While pupils enjoy reading, their skills in inference and deduction require further development. Additionally, there are instances where the most able pupils do not receive sufficient challenge, preventing them from reaching their full potential.
Pupils exhibit exemplary behavior, demonstrating politeness, courtesy, and a strong sense of pride in their school. They feel safe and well cared for, with positive relationships established among peers and staff. The school promotes personal development effectively, encouraging pupils to engage in community activities and take on leadership roles. The provision for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities is strong, with leaders ensuring that support is tailored to individual needs. Disadvantaged pupils receive appropriate support, enabling them to make progress comparable to their peers.
The quality of teaching, learning, and assessment is consistently good across the school. Teachers maintain high expectations for pupil engagement, and their planning is effective, particularly in writing. The introduction of a new scheme of work has improved the teaching of grammatical skills and vocabulary development. However, there is a need for more targeted support for lower-ability pupils to reinforce key skills in writing. The teaching of phonics is effective, with pupils demonstrating good decoding skills, which contributes to their reading fluency.
Pupils take pride in their work, and the quality of presentation in their books reflects the high expectations set by their teachers. They receive homework that reinforces their learning, and they report that it aids their understanding. The school has implemented effective strategies to promote good attendance and address any issues of persistent absence.
In summary, Lady Modiford’s Church of England Primary School is a good school with strong leadership, a collaborative culture among staff, and a curriculum that engages pupils. While there are areas for improvement, particularly in providing sufficient challenge for all pupils and ensuring lower-ability pupils consolidate their skills, the overall environment fosters positive learning experiences. The school is well-regarded by parents, who appreciate the care and guidance provided to their children. The commitment to continuous improvement is evident, and the school is well-positioned to build on its successes.
