Northlew and Ashbury Parochial Church of England Primary School, located in Northlew, Okehampton, Devon, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on June 8, 2022. The school is characterized by a strong sense of community where pupils feel safe and valued. Staff members exemplify the school’s Christian values, demonstrating compassion and care, particularly towards vulnerable students. The school embraces diversity, ensuring that all pupils, including those facing social, emotional, and mental health challenges, receive the necessary support to thrive.
The leadership team maintains high expectations for pupil behavior, fostering a stimulating and secure learning environment. Instances of poor behavior, including bullying, are rare, and pupils trust the staff to address any issues that arise. The school promotes conflict resolution strategies among students, such as reflection and communication, which contribute to a positive atmosphere. However, some parents have expressed concerns regarding the management of behavior, indicating a need for ongoing communication with the community.
Leaders are ambitious for all pupils and have developed a robust curriculum across various subjects. A particular focus has been placed on reading, which is integrated into daily activities. This emphasis on literacy has resulted in most pupils achieving success in their reading skills. Since the last inspection, the school has undergone leadership changes, and the current leaders are aware of the specific challenges faced, particularly in writing, which has been impacted by COVID-19-related absences. The curriculum has been adapted to address these challenges, ensuring that pupils can maintain high standards in spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
Subject leaders have effectively utilized guidance from trust specialists to enhance the curriculum. Teachers are encouraged to create connections between subjects, leading to a coherent learning experience that builds on prior knowledge. This approach benefits all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, who receive tailored support to help them develop expertise across subjects. For instance, in religious education, pupils engage in discussions that draw on their previous learning, allowing them to make meaningful comparisons between different faiths.
In the early years, children are introduced to reading promptly, with staff modeling language effectively. Phonics assessments help identify pupils who may need additional support, and targeted interventions are in place to assist them in catching up. Older pupils also benefit from knowledgeable staff who encourage daily reading practices, fostering a love for literature.
The mathematics curriculum is structured to ensure that pupils learn in a logical sequence, aiding their recall of multiplication facts and problem-solving skills. However, there is a noted gap in challenge for more advanced mathematicians, as the current curriculum does not sufficiently push these pupils to reach their full potential.
Pupils with special educational needs receive effective support, with leaders quickly identifying their needs and ensuring they have access to appropriate resources. Teaching assistants play a crucial role in promoting independent thinking while providing timely assistance.
The school prioritizes the development of pupils' understanding of British values, fostering discussions around tolerance, fairness, and diversity. The curriculum is enriched with opportunities for healthy debate and exploration of important social issues, helping pupils become compassionate individuals.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, with staff trained to recognize signs of vulnerability. Leaders collaborate with external agencies to provide timely support for pupils and their families. While minor clerical errors were noted in safeguarding records, improvements were made during the inspection.
Overall, Northlew and Ashbury Parochial Church of England Primary School continues to provide a good education, with strong leadership and a commitment to supporting all pupils in their learning journey. The school is encouraged to address the concerns raised by some parents regarding behavior management and to ensure that the curriculum challenges all pupils appropriately.
