Whitchurch Community Primary School, located in Tavistock, Devon, was inspected on 17 and 18 October 2023. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as good, reflecting a positive environment for learning and development. The headteacher, Kerry Bargewell, leads the school, which is part of The First Federation Trust, overseen by CEO Paul Walker and chaired by Alexander Walmsley. The school serves children aged four to eleven and has a total enrollment of 215 pupils.
Pupils at Whitchurch Community Primary School express pride in their school and demonstrate a strong sense of belonging. They adhere to the school’s ‘ACE’ values, which promote respectful behavior. The school fosters a welcoming atmosphere where kindness and politeness are evident among students, who readily greet newcomers and visitors. The curriculum is ambitious and designed to prepare pupils for future educational and life challenges. It incorporates local themes, particularly in subjects like science, where students engage with environmental and conservation issues relevant to their community.
The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities that allow pupils to explore their interests and talents. Participation in sports and music events, such as the jazz summer festival, helps build confidence and resilience among students. The school emphasizes the importance of personal development, encouraging pupils to understand their identities and aspirations. They learn about various career opportunities, which aids them in envisioning their future paths.
The curriculum is well-structured, ensuring that pupils with special educational needs and disabilities receive appropriate support. The school focuses on developing pupils' understanding of subject-specific vocabulary, which enhances their ability to articulate their learning effectively. However, the inspection identified areas for improvement, particularly in the assessment processes used in some subjects. The school needs to enhance its oversight of curriculum delivery to ensure that all pupils acquire essential knowledge before progressing to new topics.
Reading is a significant focus at Whitchurch Community Primary School. From the start of their education, children learn phonics through a structured curriculum that helps them become confident readers. The school provides high-quality texts that promote understanding of diversity and respect for others. Pupils are encouraged to read for pleasure, contributing to their overall literacy development.
Attendance is another area of focus, with most pupils attending regularly and punctually. The school community values the support provided by staff, particularly for pupils with special educational needs, who benefit from additional resources to help manage their emotions and feelings. Staff members report feeling valued and respected within the school environment, contributing to a positive workplace culture.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, ensuring that pupils are protected and supported. The inspection highlighted the need for the school to improve its assessment practices to better inform curriculum planning and enhance learning outcomes. Additionally, the school should strengthen its oversight of teaching quality across all subjects to ensure that pupils learn important content securely.
Overall, Whitchurch Community Primary School demonstrates a commitment to providing a nurturing and effective educational experience for its pupils. The school’s leadership, curriculum design, and emphasis on personal development contribute to a positive learning environment, although there are areas identified for further improvement to enhance the educational experience for all students.
