Sticklepath Community Primary Academy, located in Barnstaple, Devon, was inspected on November 8 and 9, 2022, and received an overall effectiveness rating of good. The school has a strong reputation among parents, who report that their children thrive in the supportive environment. Pupils express enthusiasm for their learning experiences, which range from music lessons to story time and forest school activities. The forest school program is particularly popular, fostering character development and confidence among students.
The leadership team at Sticklepath has high expectations for all pupils, aiming to cultivate professionalism and a positive attitude towards learning. Staff members encourage students to reflect on their behaviors, which motivates them to take ownership of their educational journey. The school environment is safe and nurturing, with pupils feeling comfortable approaching adults with any concerns. Instances of bullying are rare, and when they do occur, staff address them promptly and effectively. The positive behavior of pupils contributes to a focused learning atmosphere.
Pupils are given opportunities to take on leadership roles, such as championing the arts, sports, and environmental initiatives. They learn about democratic principles through activities like polling for school council decisions. The school has implemented a well-structured reading program that promotes a love of reading across all age groups. This program includes diverse literature that helps students appreciate and celebrate differences among people.
The curriculum at Sticklepath is ambitious, well-planned, and sequenced, with a clear focus on essential knowledge that pupils should acquire. Students are taught to think like experts in various subjects, such as history. The development of spoken language is prioritized, particularly in the early years, where communication skills and vocabulary are emphasized to prepare children for future learning.
The early reading curriculum is effective, with teachers assessing pupil progress accurately and providing timely support to those in need. This approach ensures that students develop strong reading skills, which serve as a foundation for their overall learning. Teaching strategies are designed to enhance long-term memory retention, and most subjects utilize assessment effectively to gauge understanding. However, some areas of the foundation curriculum require improvement in assessment practices.
Leaders responsible for special educational needs and disabilities ensure that pupils receive the necessary support to progress through the curriculum. The personal development curriculum promotes independence and resilience, teaching pupils about positive behavior choices, tolerance, and respect for others. The school also emphasizes the importance of physical and mental health, adapting the curriculum to address contemporary risks, including those related to online behavior.
While the leadership team has made significant strides in improving educational quality, there are areas for further development. Some aspects of the foundation curriculum require more rigorous assessment practices, and leaders need to enhance their oversight to identify trends and respond effectively. The school has a clear vision for improvement, and trustees hold leaders accountable for educational quality and resource management.
The safeguarding arrangements at Sticklepath are effective, with strong systems in place to identify and support at-risk pupils. The school provides education on safety, including online safety, and has appropriate policies regarding sensitive issues. Overall, Sticklepath Community Primary Academy is a well-regarded institution that fosters a positive learning environment, although there are opportunities for further enhancement in specific areas of assessment and oversight.
