Ermington Primary School, located in Ivybridge, Devon, has recently undergone its first inspection since becoming an academy. The inspection took place on June 25 and 26, 2024, and the overall effectiveness of the school was rated as good. The quality of education, behavior and attitudes, and leadership and management were also rated as good, while personal development received an outstanding rating. The school is part of the Westcountry Schools Trust, which provides additional governance and support.
The headteacher, Mark Mitchell, leads a dedicated team that fosters a nurturing environment where pupils thrive. The school emphasizes values such as care, pride, and resilience, which are evident in the positive relationships among pupils and staff. Younger pupils look up to older students as role models, and the sense of community is strong, contributing to a supportive atmosphere that prepares students for future challenges.
Attendance is high, as pupils enjoy being at school and appreciate the strong relationships they have with their teachers. Parents echo these sentiments, praising the staff's commitment to their children's social and emotional development. The school encourages ambitious aspirations, helping students to develop confidence and self-awareness.
The curriculum at Ermington Primary School is ambitious and well-structured, with strong links across subjects that enhance pupils' personal development. The early years provision is particularly effective, with a focus on developing motor skills, social skills, and foundational literacy and mathematics. Staff engage children through purposeful interactions, fostering curiosity and problem-solving abilities.
While the curriculum is generally well-established, some areas require further development to ensure all pupils achieve their full potential. The school recognizes that certain pupils could benefit from more focused attention to deepen their learning. The core subjects of mathematics and reading are well-implemented, and pupils express enthusiasm for these subjects. However, in some newer subjects, the curriculum is still being refined, which affects pupils' engagement and learning outcomes.
Pupils demonstrate a love for reading, engaging with a diverse range of high-quality texts. They develop their reading skills effectively, with early learners mastering phonics to read with increasing accuracy. The school is inclusive, quickly identifying the needs of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities. While teachers provide necessary support, there is room for improvement in ensuring that all pupils receive tailored strategies to overcome learning barriers.
The personal development program is well-designed, promoting well-rounded individuals who are prepared for future challenges. Pupils exhibit positive behavior and attitudes towards learning, and the school actively teaches them about mental health and safety. Opportunities for enrichment, such as residential trips and various clubs, further enhance their educational experience.
The trust overseeing the school ensures effective governance and accountability, providing the necessary support for the school to deliver quality education. Safeguarding measures are robust, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils.
To improve, the school must focus on providing more specific strategies for a minority of pupils who require additional support to deepen their learning. Additionally, the trust should work towards ensuring that all subjects are as well-developed and engaging as the strongest areas of the curriculum. Overall, Ermington Primary School is a thriving educational institution that prioritizes the holistic development of its pupils while striving for continuous improvement.
