Chardstock school flourishes as part of new federation

Partnership with ”oustanding” Uplyme Primary is already helping to raise standards

EDUCATION chiefs say children are already benefitting from a pioneering scheme to share resources between two East Devon primary schools.

St Andrew’s, at Chardstock, federated with Mrs Ethelston’s, at Uplyme, earlier this year.

The Uplyme school has twice been awarded the highest ranking of “outstanding” by Ofsted inspectors.

And officials from the school standards agency say St Andrew’s is already steadily improving as a result of its partnership with Mrs Ethelston’s.

They say executive headteacher Andrea Rice has forged good links between the two schools.

“Strong leadership is already leading to steady improvement,” says their report.

“The executive head, staff and capable governors are determined to succeed in raising attainment and improving pupils’ progress.

“Improved planning, marking and assessment procedures are beginning to have a positive impact on teaching, learning and progress.”

Lead Ofsted inspector Anna Sketchley says during their two day visit to St Andrew’s they found attentive pupils keen to do well.

They make a sound start in Reception and by the end of their primary school career, pupils are achieving nationally expected standards in English and maths and do better than average in reading.

“The school’s strong Christian ethos and excellent relationships underpin all its work and are the chief reasons why pupils are well behaved and polite in lessons and around the school.,” said Ms Sketchley.

“Teachers have high expectations of behaviour, form excellent relationships with pupils and manage them very well.

Ms Sketchley says to improve further, St Andrew’s should raise attainment in English and maths through challenging tasks that meet all pupils’ needs, ensure they can practise their literacy and numeracy skills in other subjects and make sure pupils know how to improve their work and improve provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage.

St Andrew’s headteacher, Andrea Rice, said: “We are very pleased that the inspectors recognised the benefits of working as part of a Federation.

“Although it is very early days, it has given us clear areas for improvement and we are looking forward to going from strength to strength.

“St Andrew’s has huge potential with a fantastic new building, and an enthusiastic, supportive community. We are looking forward to a very successful future.”

* PICTURE SHOWS Uplyme and Chardstock Head Andrea Rice. Photo Chris Carson