CHERITON Fitzpaine Primary School is delighted with the findings from its recent Ofsted Inspection, which confirmed that the school continues to be “good”.  

The one day inspection of the Exe Federation School, which took place on November 10, was carried out by two inspectors, Lizzy Meadows (Lead Inspector) and Matthew Shirley.

The inspection involved “deep dives” into reading, mathematics and geography, as well as exploring pupils’ wider development, wellbeing, and safeguarding.

The small village school moved to a modern building in 2010.  It offers a Nursery and Reception class for pupils from age two in a purpose-built classroom, as part of the four-class structure.   

During the inspection, the children talked confidently and enthusiastically to the inspectors about their experiences at Cheriton Fitzpaine, including about their learning and wider development.

The inspectors also commended the pupils’ attitudes to learning and behaviour, both within classrooms and the school building, and while outside at play.

They described how the “secure and nurturing relationships between staff and pupils” contribute to the “family-feel” of the school. 

The pupils spoke positively about the opportunities available to them at school, including a plethora of extra-curricular clubs, trips and residentials. 

The report shows that the huge amount of work that has gone into developing the reading curriculum has been successful.

This includes the improvements to the phonics programme in EYFS and KS1, through to the development of  a love of reading across the school.

Teaching and learning in maths was also commended, with the inspector particularly impressed with the quality of the work in books, and the way in which children were able to articulate their mathematical understanding.

The inspectors also praised the hard work that has gone into developing the wider curriculum, recognising leaders vision for “all pupils to gain deep knowledge across a broad curriculum”. 

They recognised that the curriculum and teaching ensures learning is adapted to pupil need, and that “pupils with SEND learn the same ambitious curriculum as their peers”.

The inspectors said: “Children return from school each day bursting with excitement about new things learned!” 

Claire Theedom, Head of School, says: “We are incredibly proud of this fantastic report, and of our wonderful village school.

“I am incredibly grateful to our amazing staff team for their dedication, enthusiasm and unrelenting drive in providing a fabulous learning experience for our pupils.

“A huge thank you and well done to our children too, who make Cheriton Fitzpaine a very special place to be!”

The full report can be read here: https://www.exevalleyfederation.co.uk/Cheriton-Fitzpaine/Reports/  .