Westclyst Community Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school School leaders, trustees and the local advisory board have created a culture in this new school that enables pupils and staff to excel.

They draw on their excellent track record in the sponsor school to promote and sustain this school's high performance. Leaders use the sponsor teaching school very effectively to provide high-quality professional development. Teaching is highly and consistently effective across the school.

The teaching, the innovative curriculum and the use of technology instil in pupils a love of learning. Consequently, pupils' progress is strong across a broad range of subjects, including English and mathematics.... In the early years foundation stage, almost all children achieve a good level of development.

An increasing proportion exceed the expected standard, especially in reading. The proportion of pupils in Year 1 who pass the phonics screening check is high. Throughout key stage 1, pupils are avid readers and eagerly discuss favourite books and authors.

A few of the pupils who have only recently joined the school are not progressing as strongly in writing as others. These pupils tend to be boys, disadvantaged pupils or pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Rigorous use of assessment by leaders, teachers and the in-school children's services team ensures that pupils' needs are accurately identified and are being met well.

A strong focus on pupils' personal development, based on the school's key principle of 'Fortune favours the brave', ensures that pupils are resilient learners and respect each other's views. Their behaviour is impeccable at all times. Safeguarding is effective.

Leaders have established a culture of vigilance in keeping pupils safe. Parents and carers, staff and pupils are overwhelmingly positive about the school.

Information about this school

Westclyst Community Primary School opened in September 2016 as a free school academy.

It is registered to take 420 pupils from ages two to 11 years. This includes 60 nursery places. Currently, there are no children of nursery age.

Children in the early years foundation stage are taught in three Reception classes. The current academic year sees the first Year 2 cohort of pupils coming through the school. The first intake of nursery children and key stage 2 pupils is planned for September 2019.

The school is sponsored by Broadclyst Community Primary School, which was graded outstanding by Ofsted in 2008. Broadclyst is a teaching school providing professional development for school leaders and teachers. Both schools are part of The Cornerstone Academy Trust.

The trust has recently sponsored a third school, Yeo Valley Primary School. The board of trustees has appointed a local advisory board which directs the work of the schools. The schools share the same senior and subject leadership team.

The executive headteacher is the trust's chief executive officer. He is also a national leader of education. While the new school is being built, Westclyst Community Primary School is situated in purpose-built classrooms on the site of Broadclyst Community Primary School.

It is sharing the school's facilities but has its own dedicated team of teachers. The trust provides and manages breakfast and after-school clubs. It also provides travel to and from the school using a fleet of minibuses.

Currently, the school is much smaller than most primary schools. The proportion of disadvantaged pupils supported by the pupil premium is low. The proportion of pupils with SEND is high.

None of these pupils has an education, health and care plan. Most pupils are of White British heritage. Very few speak English as an additional language.