Exford Church of England First School

Overview

Exford Church of England First School continues to be a good school, offering a "calm and purposeful atmosphere" where pupils are "kind and understanding." Leaders have designed an "ambitious curriculum" that fosters positive attitudes towards learning, with parents noting their children are "prepared well for the next steps in their education."

Strengths

• Pupils demonstrate "positive attitudes to learning" and engage enthusiastically with the ‘Generation Exmoor’ curriculum, including educational visits that help them "see the world."
• Early years provision is strong, with pupils gaining "secure knowledge of phonics" and receiving "timely and effective support" to build reading fluency and confidence.
• The mathematics curriculum has been strengthened, enabling pupils to "remember mathematical facts" and use specific vocabulary to explain their reasoning.
• Leaders are "ambitious" for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), ensuring teaching is "adapted appropriately" and resources like the sensory room meet their needs well.
• Staff benefit from "effective training" and value leaders’ support for their well-being, contributing to a positive school culture.

Areas to improve

• In some subjects, the knowledge and skills pupils need to learn are "not identified precisely enough," meaning pupils do not consistently build securely on previous learning. Leaders must ensure the curriculum is planned in "sufficient depth in all subjects."

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with staff alert to pupils’ well-being and leaders taking "effective action to secure support for children" through close work with external agencies.