Devonshire Primary School

Overview

Devonshire Primary School is described as a “welcoming and friendly place” where “nurturing relationships” inspire pupils to be kind. The school provides a “broad and balanced education” with high expectations, resulting in a “calm and orderly” environment where pupils enjoy learning and attendance is above the national average.

Strengths

• Reading is prioritised, with staff “expertly deliver[ing] the phonics programme” and providing quick support for those falling behind.
• The early years curriculum is “well thought out,” creating a “language-rich environment” that nurtures confidence and curiosity.
• Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are identified early and supported with “appropriate teaching strategies” to access the curriculum.
• The school fosters personal development through clubs, trips, and roles like “school councillors,” helping pupils become “respectful, kind citizens.”
• Governors are “knowledgeable” and staff feel “valued and heard,” contributing to a strong community ethos.

Areas to improve

• In a few subjects, the curriculum is not designed effectively enough, leading to gaps in pupils’ knowledge as they progress.
• Staff do not always check pupils’ understanding carefully enough, allowing misconceptions to go unnoticed.
• Safeguarding concerns are not always recorded or communicated systematically, meaning records sometimes lack important information.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with staff trained to keep children safe, though records must be improved to ensure they “fully and accurately contain all relevant information.”