IT was a busy autumn term for the Exe Valley Federation, with Ofsted inspections happening at Brampford Speke and Cheriton Fitzpaine.

Both schools, which form part of the Exe Valley Federation, a group of six local, rural schools with a shared ethos, were delighted to receive confirmation that they continue to be "good" schools.  

 ‘CHILDREN RETURN FROM SCHOOL EACH DAY BURSTING WITH EXCITEMENT ABOUT NEW THINGS LEARNED’

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, which took place on  November 10, 2022, 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, which moved to a modern building in 2010, 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 pupil’s 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”.

Claire Theedom, Head of School, said: “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/  .

BRAMPFORD SPEKE  'SMALL BUT MIGHTY'

Following the inspection on  September 29, Brampford Speke Primary School was delighted to receive such a positive Ofsted report. 

The one-day inspection was led by Leanne Thirlby (HMI) and Carl Thornton (Ofsted Inspector).

The inspectors praised the way in which leaders  develop pupils’ learning through a rich range of opportunities and experiences and described the pupils as polite, respectful and welcoming. 

They recognised that, despite the school being small in size, it has a great deal to offer them. 

One pupil described the school to the lead inspector as "small but mighty". 

Brampford Speke Primary School has  three classes, including a Foundation Stage unit with Nursery children from three.  Due to the school's size and ethos, it has a real family feel.

The report said: "Pupils talk positively about how they support each other across the age ranges. Older pupils know the importance of being role models for the younger children. They know the difference this makes to how well new pupils settle into school."

Inspectors carried out deep dives into Early Reading, Mathematics and Geography. 

They recognised the hard work that had gone into  designing an ambitious curriculum for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). 

They talked positively about the way the  curriculum design for all subjects starts in early years and prepares children for their KS1 and beyond. 

They recognised the importance leaders had placed on developing the Early Reading curriculum and noticed pupils' love of reading across the school. 

The report said: "Pupils develop well from the firm foundations started in early years."

During the inspection, the inspectors talked about the enthusiasm for Geography felt by the buzz in lessons and the confident way the children made links to the "Golden Threads".

They referred to Music as a strength, which came through in the way the children talked about the opportunities they get to play instruments and the positive comments made by adults about the music provision.   

They commented on the well thought out mathematics curriculum, stating: "It is sequenced effectively to meet the complexities of mixed-age classes."

Hannah Fee, Head of School, said: "I am so pleased with the report and feel it is a really good reflection of our lovely school. 

"The children were just fantastic and talked confidently about their learning and wider development throughout the day.

" I would like to take this opportunity to thank our families, the children and the staff for their hard work and dedication.  

"It really is a team effort!"

The full report can be read here:  https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/21/113347 .