Sidmouth Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school The leadership of a reflective headteacher, strong senior leaders and knowledgeable governors has helped to transform the school.

Outcomes for current pupils are now good and have improved since the previous inspection. Pupils make good progress from a variety of different starting points, including disadvantaged pupils and those who speak English as an additional language. Middle leaders have succeeded in improving teaching in all subjects.

Teaching is consistently good across the school. As a result of good teaching, pupils apply their mathematical and writing skills well in other subjects. Staff assess work carefully to give pupils eff...ective advice that helps them to move on quickly.

Most-able pupils now achieve higher standards because of teaching that challenges and deepens their thinking. Pupils who have special educational needs and/or disabilities make good progress and are well supported by staff. Pupils' behaviour is outstanding.

They are extremely polite, respectful and kind to others. Pupils cooperate thoughtfully to support their learning and are keen to respond to staff questions. The personal development and welfare of pupils are good.

They have a clear understanding of how to stay safe and healthy. In the early years, children are keen and excited to learn. They receive good teaching matched to their individual needs and interests.

While pupils' progress in reading is good, it is not yet as strong as their achievement in mathematics and writing.

Information about this school

This is a school that is larger than most primary schools. The proportion of pupils who join and leave the school during the year is well above average.

The majority of pupils speak English as an additional language and are from a range of minority ethnic groups. The proportion of pupils who qualify for a free school meal and receive the pupil premium funding is above the national average. The proportion of pupils who have special educational needs and/or disabilities but do not have an education, health and care plan or statement of special educational needs is below that of other schools nationally.

The proportion of pupils with a statement of special educational needs or an education, health and care plan is also below the national average. In the early years, children attend the Reception class full-time and the Nursery on a part-time basis. The school meets requirements on the publication of specified information on its website.