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Pupils at Culmstock primary enjoy being at their good school


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Pupils at Culmstock Primary School “feel safe and enjoy their time at the school”, according to education inspectors.

The primary school has again been rated good in its latest inspection from the school standards agency Ofsted.

Inspectors visited at the end of last term and their new report concludes: “Pupils feel safe in school. They get on well together and enjoy their time at school.

“Pupils are happy and appreciate the changes that are starting to take shape. The large majority of parents and carers who completed Ofsted’s online survey, Parent View, agree.

“Staff have high expectations of pupils’ behaviour. As a result, classrooms are calm and social times are harmonious.”

Inspectors highlighted that reading is a top priority at the school with investment being made in promoting a love of reading, and pupils enjoy mathematics.

The report also praised leaders at the school for encouraging pupils to make a difference in their community and beyond by supporting local events and national charities.

This was the school’s first inspection since 2016 and the first at the school since a change of executive headteacher and several new governors.

The report states that: “The new executive headteacher and governing body are beginning to have a meaningful impact. They, alongside the local authority, know there is still work to do to improve the quality of education. However, staff changes and the COVID-19 pandemic have slowed this work.”

The school is part of the Culm Valley Federation. Martin O’Mahony, Executive Head of the Federation, said: “There are some clear positives in this latest report but we’re in no doubt that there is still room for improvement. We have work to do to ensure that our pupils receive the best possible quality of education, but we’re committed to achieving that.

“I’m pleased that the inspectors have recognised the enjoyment pupils show in their learning and the strength in their personal development. They have also acknowledged that we’re having a meaningful impact, instilling ambition for pupils, and that staff have high expectations for pupils’ behaviour.”

In order to improve further and enable pupils to reach their full potential, inspectors say that subject leaders need to carry out precise checks on what pupils know and understand to ensure the curriculum is being implemented effectively for all pupils, including pupils with SEND.


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