Ipplepen Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school Leaders have taken decisive action, which has led to significant and sustained improvement since the previous inspection.

As a result, teaching, learning and assessment and pupils' outcomes are good. Strong links now exist with the local community, and parents are supportive of the school. Pupils and parents recognise the positive changes introduced by school leaders.

Teachers use assessment well to build on what pupils can do, know and understand. As a result, pupils' progress is usually good. Children in the Reception class make a great start with their learning, both inside and outside of the classroom.

As a result, children m...ake good progress and are well prepared for Year 1. Good-quality teaching has led to improved standards in phonics in Year 1, which are now well above the national average. Changes made to the teaching of mathematics are having a positive impact.

Consequently, pupils in Years 5 and 6 make consistently good and often rapid progress. However, this excellent practice is not yet fully developed across the school, particularly for low-attaining pupils in lower key stage 2. Governors have a good understanding of leaders' impact on school improvement.

They check carefully the progress of disadvantaged pupils, including the impact of additional funding. However, an evaluation of pupil premium spend is not published on the school's website. Pupils are polite and well behaved.

They enjoy school and tackle their learning with confidence. As a result, pupils demonstrate determination and resilience to make good progress in their learning. Attendance at school is good.

The school's curriculum contains varied and motivating activities that inspire pupils to learn. Teaching that is linked to real-life contexts enables older pupils to enjoy their learning. Pupils are safe and know how to keep themselves safe online.

In a few classes, activities planned do not meet the needs of pupils well enough because : work is not sufficiently challenging. As a result, the most able pupils' progress slows in writing and mathematics. Leaders do not track this group's progress with sufficient rigour.

Information about this school

Ipplepen Primary School is smaller than the average-sized primary school. There are seven classes and a pre-school. The school is part of the United Schools Federation (USF).

The federation comprises five primary schools in the south west of England. The head of school is supported by an executive headteacher from the USF. The executive headteacher is a national leader of education.

The vast majority of pupils are White British and the proportion who speak English as an additional language is well below the national average. The proportion of disadvantaged pupils supported through pupil premium funding is well below the national average. The proportion of pupils who have special educational needs and/or disabilities is above the national average.

The proportion of pupils with a statement of special educational needs or an education, health and care plan is below that found nationally. The school meets the current government floor standards, which set the minimum expectations for pupils' attainment and progress in reading, writing and mathematics by the end of Year 6. The school does not meet requirements on the publication of information about the pupil premium on its website.