Charmouth Primary School

Overview

The report describes Charmouth Primary School as “an improving school” where leaders are “taking the right action in the right areas.” While safeguarding standards are met and early years provision is strong, the inspection identifies that “pupils’ progress is inconsistent” and teaching quality varies, resulting in uneven achievement across the school.

Strengths

• Safeguarding standards are met, with an “open culture” where concerns are “actively identified, acted upon and managed.”
• Early years provision is effective, with children building “secure” knowledge in reading, writing, and mathematics through “careful planning” and “high-quality texts.”
• Inclusion support is detailed and timely, using “personalised learning plans” and “sensitive practice” to help pupils manage emotions and overcome barriers.
• Personal development is well-supported, with pupils learning about mental health, healthy lifestyles, and local history, such as “Mary Anning's work.”
• Staff build “strong, trusting relationships” with pupils, particularly those with additional emotional needs, creating a “caring and supportive” environment.

Areas to improve

• Leaders must ensure pupils “progress consistently well across key stage 2,” particularly in writing, to produce “high-quality work.”
• Staff need to use checks on learning to ensure teaching builds “incrementally on what pupils know,” preventing gaps in knowledge.
• The school’s attendance strategy must consistently improve attendance and reduce “persistent absence,” which remains above national averages.

Safeguarding

The report states that “safeguarding standards are met,” meaning leaders have established an open culture where safeguarding is “everyone's responsibility” and pupils are “made safer and feel safe.”