Cutcombe Church of England First School

Overview

Cutcombe Church of England First School has “taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at the previous inspection.” The report describes a school where pupils are “happy and eager to learn,” benefiting from a “broad and well ordered” curriculum and strong community links. While most pupils achieve well and are prepared for the next steps in their education, the inspection highlights specific inconsistencies in teaching quality and early years routines that require attention.

Strengths

• Pupils are “confident and enthusiastic readers” and apply their knowledge of number “competently.”
• The school provides rich experiences, such as the ‘Generation Exmoor’ project and trips, which develop pupils’ “character, resilience and wider knowledge.”
• Staff “know pupils well” and adapt the curriculum effectively to meet the needs of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities.
• The school maintains a “sharp focus on pupils’ attendance,” working tirelessly to support families and reduce absence.
• Governors share leaders’ “ambitious vision” and ensure statutory duties are fulfilled while being mindful of staff workload.

Areas to improve

• Some routines are “less well embedded with younger children,” limiting opportunities to practise social skills like turn-taking.
• In some subjects, pupils do not consistently deepen their knowledge because “some staff lack the subject expertise they need.”
• Teaching does not always “develop pupils’ vocabulary strongly enough” or identify gaps in learning in every subject.

Safeguarding

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