Combe Down CofE Primary School

Overview

Combe Down CofE Primary School has “taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at the previous inspection.” The report describes a school with a “vibrant and caring culture” where pupils display “extremely positive attitudes to learning” and “exemplary” behaviour. Leaders demonstrate a “relentless drive to provide the very best for all pupils,” supported by robust governance and strong community ties.

Strengths

• Pupils exhibit “exemplary” behaviour, showing “great care and consideration to their peers and adults” in a respectful environment.
• There is a “sharp focus on reading,” with effective phonics teaching ensuring most pupils read with “increasing fluency and confidence.”
• The school places a “strong emphasis on oracy,” helping children “articulate their thinking” and confidently justify their opinions across all subjects.
• Staff swiftly identify pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and provide appropriate support within an “inclusive culture.”
• Leaders are “tenacious in the actions they take to improve attendance,” resulting in rising attendance rates through close family collaboration.

Areas to improve

• The curriculum in “a few subjects” lacks clear sequencing and assessment systems, meaning pupils’ understanding is “less secure” than in history or religious education.
• The handwriting curriculum is “not consistently implemented,” leaving some younger pupils without the “fundamentals of handwriting.”

Safeguarding

The report states that “the arrangements for safeguarding are effective.”