Rockbeare Church of England Primary School and Pre-School in Exeter, Devon, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on April 27, 2022. The school is characterized by a welcoming environment where staff appreciate each pupil's unique qualities, fostering a culture of respect and care among students. Older pupils actively support younger ones, particularly in sharing their love for reading through performances based on books they enjoyed in earlier years. The school emphasizes Christian values, which are integrated into daily life, and maintains strong community ties, with local visitors contributing to the educational experience through performances of biblical stories. Events such as an Easter parade invite parental involvement, enhancing the sense of community.
The school has a robust approach to behavior management, resulting in rare instances of bullying. Pupils express confidence in reporting any concerns, and they understand the expectations set by the leaders. The school offers a variety of clubs and activities, ensuring that every pupil, including those from disadvantaged backgrounds, can find something that interests them. For instance, a film club allows pupils to engage creatively by planning and showcasing their work to an audience.
Leaders prioritize early reading, recognizing its critical importance. Staff are well-trained in phonics, and effective teaching methods are employed to help pupils practice reading. Most pupils become accurate readers quickly, although some may struggle to connect letters and sounds. Support is provided for these pupils, but there is a need for more closely matched reading materials to help them become fluent readers. The pre-school program effectively prepares children for their educational journey, focusing on language development and early mathematics.
Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities receive strong support, with staff collaborating with parents to identify and address individual needs. The curriculum has seen improvements since the last inspection, with leaders clearly defining learning objectives across subjects. However, some recent changes require time to embed fully, and leaders must monitor the impact of these changes to ensure they enhance learning.
In the pre-school, children interact well and are confident in engaging with adults. Reception class pupils demonstrate eagerness to learn and adhere to high expectations. The positive habits established in early years carry through to the rest of the school, creating a conducive learning atmosphere. Leaders have implemented a well-structured personal, social, and health education curriculum, covering essential topics such as relationships and personal boundaries.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the school faced challenges regarding staff and pupil absences but prioritized the well-being of all involved. The new headteacher has encouraged professional development, resulting in motivated staff who enjoy their roles. Safeguarding measures are effective, with a strong emphasis on staff training and awareness of local risks. Leaders are proactive in addressing potential gaps in support for families, working with local authorities and services to meet pupils' needs.
To improve further, the school should ensure that all pupils practice reading engaging texts that align with their abilities to enhance fluency. Additionally, leaders need to monitor the impact of recent curriculum changes to confirm that they are effectively supporting pupil learning. Overall, Rockbeare Church of England Primary School and Pre-School continues to provide a supportive and enriching educational environment for its pupils.
