Willowbank Primary Academy, a large school in Cullompton Devon has selected Hannah Jay as the new Head of School. Hannah, who was previously Deputy Head, started in her new role at the beginning of summer term. She will continue to steer the way and make positive improvements in learning and behaviour, encouraging pupils to thrive in a safe and happy environment.  

  

Hannah said, ‘I feel incredibly grateful to be able to lead the school in the next phase of its development, building on the current school priorities and driving change moving forwards. I plan to continue raising the profile of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) in our school, working hard to ensure we are adapting to their needs in the classrooms, adapting curriculum design to make sure it’s fully inclusive, and to ensure all our learners  thrive.’  

  

Willowbank joined First Federation Trust, a multi-academy of 29 schools across Devon and West Dorset, over seven years ago.

 

Kath Powell, Director of Inclusion for First Federation Trust, said, ‘We have worked hard with Willowbank over the years to provide opportunities for all and to build understanding and respect. Together we have high expectations for pupils, and our main aim is to ensure children feel happy, safe and secure.’  

   

Hannah continues, ‘One of our key goals at Willowbank is to prepare children for the wider world and as such we have created carefully constructed a positive behaviour policy that encompasses what it looks like to be Ready, Respectful and Safe. Continuing to build on the culture of high expectations in our school, ensuring consistency and predictability in the delivery of this policy is a priority. We’re very fortunate to have some very passionate and talented teaching staff at Willowbank, and together we will strive to improve our academic outcomes for all children, regardless of their starting point, with a particular focus on Writing and closing the disadvantage gap.’   

Hawkchurch CE Primary on the border of Devon and Dorset, ‘welcomes and nurtures the individuality of its pupils’ and is Good in all areas according to Ofsted. 

 

Chris Threlfall, Head of School said, ‘Our school may be small, but we have a very big heart, with happy and harmonious children, and enthusiastic staff who encourage our pupils to Learn Together and Grow Together with respect, resilience, compassion, community and enjoyment. We’re pleased to see all our hard work recognised by Ofsted who have witnessed first-hand how amicable and earnest our pupils are.’   

 

Pupils are seen to ‘support and encourage each other in class and on the playground because they see this modelled by staff’ and they are emotionally aware of their peers, displaying ‘a strong awareness of why their friends might struggle’. There is much trust between staff and children with help to manage behaviour and encouragement of great things for all. 

 

Hawkchurch is governed by First Federation Trust, a multi-academy of 29 primaries across Plymouth, Devon and Dorset, and has benefitted from the Trust’s support, guidance and challenge to ensure it is ‘well equipped to provide a high-quality education for its pupils’. 

 

Claire Fegan, Director of School Improvement for First Federation Trust, said ‘Teaching staff at Hawkchurch work hard to maintain an ambitious, well-designed curriculum with a learning experience offering opportunities for all. Strong relationships mean staff know their pupils very well, enabling potential challenges or special needs to be quickly identified and addressed, with adaptations being made where necessary.’ 

 

The school prioritises early language development and reading, laying down solid foundations for younger pupils preparing them well for future years. Songs, rhymes and stories are used to ‘spark an interest and broaden vocabulary’, with regular checks ensuring good knowledge retention and understanding. Children are ‘increasingly confident and fluent readers’ with a ‘good awareness of the diverse world around them’, and those who need extra help are well supported. Pupils ‘learn to read with great success and develop a love of reading for pleasure’, while also securing a solid understanding of different faiths and cultures and good attitudes to physical and mental health.  

 

Wider development is enriched through fundraising opportunities, leadership roles, and participation in local events, which help to ‘build confidence and independence’ and ‘prepares pupils well to be active community participants in the future’.  

 

Chris continues, ‘We are really proud of our well-behaved pupils and want to thank them, alongside their parents and carers, for their positive attitude. Ofsted recognised that children ‘are motivated to behave well because they want to do well’ and they have a sense of pride in our school encouraging good attendance. We couldn’t agree more and want to thank our hard-working staff for their dedication and passion, and the Trust for its continued support. Together we will continue to learn and grow.’ 

Mary Dean’s CE Primary on the outskirts of Plymouth, which is ‘living up to its foundation as a Church school’, offers a ‘warm, Christian welcome’ with flourishing as a family at the heart of everything they do according to the latest SIAMS (Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools) report by the Church of England.  

 

Donna Wilson, Head of School, said ‘We encourage pupils to work together as a nurturing family, and grow together for a flourishing future with thankfulness, responsibility, courage, friendship, truthfulness and forgiveness. We have worked hard to cement our vision and values into the core of everything we do, encouraging children to use them as a daily guide which has helped to increase their understanding. We are pleased to see recognition of all this and more in our SIAMS report.’ 

 

There has been a positive change in the provision of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) with ‘systems and processes being implemented’ and ‘a focus on ensuring strong relationships with families’ ensuring they have ‘the help and encouragement they need’. Staff ‘know their pupils well and strive to give them the appropriate support’. 

 

Mary Dean’s is part of First Federation Trust, a multi-academy of 29 primaries across Plymouth, Devon and Dorset, which has helped the school identify the best steps to keep moving forward. Staff are committed to constantly reviewing and honing the curriculum, making sure it is driven by the vision and enabling pupils to flourish.   

  

Angela Jenkins, Director of Performance and Development for First Federation, said ‘At the Trust, we are committed to ensuring staff are well-supported through up-to-date training, and we have prioritised RE as an important subject alongside our other core lessons. We work alongside teaching staff to develop the curriculum and enhance the classroom environment, and it’s great to hear how much pupils enjoy the different ways learning is presented and explored, and how confidently children talk about their understanding of others and different faiths.' 

 

Leaders work hard to develop ample opportunities for pupils to develop and flourish in terms of their personal growth with access to a good range of extracurricular activities, and also their spirituality via the curriculum, values and collective worship. Children and adults all enjoy coming together to pray, sing, recall stories and ‘explain how these inspire them to think about their own actions’. Worship is inclusive at Mary Dean's and ‘pupils play an increasingly meaningful role’, leading prayer and time for reflection.  

 

Everyone is well cared for at Mary Dean’s which is highly valued by all staff, pupils and families, as leaders ‘are committed to the flourishing of others’. Pupils learn how to make and maintain positive relationships, and to live physically and mentally healthy lives, and are encouraged to take on positions of responsibility and leadership inside and out of school with internal roles and outreach links with local charities and organisations. Children understand the values of friendship and responsibility and enjoy helping their peers in need.  

The school has made it a priority to bring about change to encourage good behaviour which is ‘framed in the vision and Jesus’ teaching about forgiveness’. 

 

Donna continues, ‘I’d like to thank all our families for their constant support in upholding our values, and to our pupils, staff and the Trust for their passion, determination and hard work. We are dedicated to our children’s education in study and life skills, and we make it our duty to continue to develop and grow.’  

Rockbeare CE Primary is a ‘beacon of aspiration and hope’ according to latest SIAMS report   

 

Rockbeare CE Primary near Exeter, which is ‘living up to its foundation as a Church school’, is ‘a beacon of aspiration and hope’ and ‘a profoundly loving haven where pupils and their families are warmly welcomed’ according to the latest SIAMS (Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools) report by the Church of England.  

  

Sally Davies, Head of School, said, ‘We’re so pleased with the lovely words from our recent SIAMS report. We work so hard to drive positivity and ambition for our pupils, encouraging them to ‘dream big and fly high’ as part of our Christian vision. Our values of creativity, hope, respect and courage encourage pupils to persevere when things are difficult. We want to prepare children to reach their full potential and understand that determination can help during tougher times.’   

  

Rockbeare is part of First Federation Trust, a multi-academy of 29 primaries across Plymouth, Devon and Dorset. The school is seen to work ‘in highly effective partnerships with the trust, local church and diocese’ where together ‘they extend ‘wide arms’ of acceptance and understanding to pupils and adults’. ‘Wise and bold leadership’ ensures that pupils are ‘empowered to aspire and flourish’, providing an ‘aspirational education so that pupils grow holistically’. Staff feel ‘valued and encouraged’ to give ‘their best for the pupils’.  

  

Kath Powell, Director of Inclusion for First Federation, said ‘It’s great to see recognition of the high level of support we offer for children’s emotional and mental wellbeing and to those pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). SEND pupils are seen to flourish partly due to their participation in leadership roles including the ethos council which increases confidence, ambition and success. As a Trust, we understand the importance of RE as a subject, providing staff with up-to-date professional training and support to ensure children continue to be taught well about a variety of beliefs and religions.’  

  

Pupils have access to a range of experiences and visits to enhance the curriculum and have a good understanding and knowledge of world religions and viewpoints. Time is provided for outdoor learning including the care of pets which encourages pupils to ‘appreciate beauty, wonder, have fun, reflect and pray’, and daily collective worship offers time for reflection and prayer, both of which help children to develop spiritually. Prayers are led by the local clergy and the children themselves, widening ‘the breath and range of different styles of worship that pupils encounter’.   

  

The ‘school is an oasis of love and care for families whose lives have been disrupted by conflict and poverty’ which builds a deep respect between pupils for themselves and others. Children are ‘aware of a bigger world, seeking to bring joy and hope where there is sadness and despair’ which is enabled and supported by staff.   

  

Staff have built trusting relationships with parents and carers and there is a strong connection to the wider, local community who benefit from pupils giving ‘their time and talents to enrich village events’ including singing at the care home and meals at the village hall which helps to lift people's ‘spirits with hope and joy’.   

  

Sally continues, 'We are very proud of our school culture of living harmoniously which encourages pupils to resolve their differences with respect and forgiveness and breeds reassurance and peace of mind for all. We will continue to enhance our curriculum and develop more opportunities for our pupils so they can remain on the right path as morally upstanding citizens.' 

Sidmouth CE Primary, a large school on the South Devon coast, has been deemed Good in all areas and considered to be safe, friendly and inclusive according to the recent Ofsted report.  

 

Alex Spraggon, Head of School, said, ‘We’re really pleased with this positive report from Ofsted. Our pupils are keen to learn, they’re happy, and have strong relationships with staff, all of which helps us maintain our low absence rates, and our high expectations for achievement and behaviour. Children value our rewards scheme where they are praised for good conduct, strong performance, and for being conscientious. We’re very proud of our team and our pupils' achievements which are testament to the hard work of our staff.’ 

 

There is an effective safeguarding process at Sidmouth, with wellness and care at the centre of all they do. Staff are said to ‘know each pupil well’ and children know they can share concerns, trusting ‘staff to act on any problems quickly and effectively.’ Pupils work collaboratively, ‘reinforcing the community feel of the school’. 

 

Sidmouth CE Primary is part of First Federation Trust, a multi-academy of 29 primaries across Plymouth, Devon and Dorset. Claire Fegan, Director of School Improvement for First Federation, said ‘The team at Sidmouth work tirelessly to make sure the curriculum remains ambitious and interesting, but also place importance on learning that extends beyond the classroom with outdoor adventure activities, educational visits, involvement in community events, and many opportunities for leadership roles such as prefects, eco leaders and school councillors. 

 

We’ve worked with Sidmouth over many years to build an accurate picture for quality assurance. We’re pleased to hear how positive staff are about the guidance they receive from leaders.’ 

 

The broad curriculum ‘helps pupils to build knowledge and skills from Nursery to Year 6’ and staff ‘continuously assess each pupil and identify the next steps they need to take’ which aids pupils in their knowledge and retention of core subjects. Communication and language has been placed ‘at the heart of the curriculum’, enhancing ‘pupils’ ability to speak clearly and to build a rich vocabulary’, and reading has been prioritised for all with ‘precise support in place for pupils who fall behind’. Children have access to a ‘wide range of authors and genres’ helping them ‘develop an understanding of the lives of others’.  

 

Those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are said to ‘progress through the curriculum successfully and participate fully in school life’ as pupils have individual plans for their specific needs. The dedicated ‘cocoon’ space allows staff to offer bespoke support for ‘pupils who may encounter difficulties’. 

 

Alex continues, ‘I want to say thank you to everyone involved in maintaining our high standards, from support staff to the teaching team and leaders at the Trust. We are committed to ensuring we continue to learn, with improvements being made where needed at each step of the way.’  

Brixington Primary Academy in Exmouth, Devon will be opening its Nursery doors to children aged two-years-old from Monday 3rd March, to join the three to four-year-olds already in place.  

 

After recognising a need for more childcare provision for this age range in the area, Stuart Dyer, Head of School and senior leaders from governing body First Federation Trust started the official registration process through the Department for Education, working hard to make sure the new provision would meet their statutory requirements and official standards.  

 

Stuart Dyer said, ‘We are really pleased to be able to offer parents and carers a safe space for their two-year-olds in our existing Nursery facility. We believe every child is a unique learner with boundless curiosity and our aim is to foster a nurturing and stimulating environment where children feel encouraged to explore, create, and grow at their own pace. 

 

We have an expansive indoor and outdoor space where children are able to thrive as they explore, learn and grow, with expert care from our highly qualified staff who ensure the Early Years curriculum is tailored to every stage of development. Childcare will be provided during school opening hours and term time initially. We’re really looking forward to being able to support more local families.’  

 

The Nursery classroom is divided into dedicated areas to allow free-flow play in all areas of learning including a role play corner, numeracy area, creative area, book corner and more. Each age group will have a seperate space with a new Elms room for the youngest, the Willow Base for three to four-year-olds, and Oak Base for four to five-year-olds.  

 

Kath Powell, Director of Inclusion for First Federation Trust, said ‘As a school, Brixington Academy is proud to offer a positive and joyful community where children are empowered to become good citizens. We’re very encouraged by their determination to expand the Nursery and feel happy to be able to provide the local community with a secure environment for younger children.’  

 

More information including pricing and funding eligibility is available on the website. We are currently taking expressions of interest – please contact the school office if you’d like to be added to the waiting list: 01395 266997. www.brixington.devon.sch.uk   

Lady Seaward’s CE Primary, in the quaint village of Clyst St George near Exeter, Devon is Outstanding in Personal Development and Good in all other areas according to the latest Ofsted report which labels the school as ‘committed to providing the highest quality of care and education’ while offering a ‘supportive, family atmosphere’. 

 

The school is praised for having a clear, well-thought-out approach to the curriculum which is constantly improved and made engaging. As a result, pupils enjoy learning and coming to school as ‘they say that teachers make their learning fun.’ ‘Staff have a good understanding of how pupils learn to read and write’ creating ‘confident readers and writers’. 

 

Alongside academic success, Lady Seaward’s is also praised for ‘excellently fostering personal growth’ from Nursery onwards. From the earliest age, children are supported by ‘gentle routines that help them to develop friendships’, and older pupils are highlighted as being ‘positive role models for younger children’ helping to create an environment where pupils ‘become confident and compassionate young people.’ Pupils are seen to ‘behave well in and around the school, treating everyone with courtesy and respect’. 

 

Michala Firth, Head of School said, ‘Our values are compassion, aspiration and resilience – we are really pleased to receive recognition of how seamlessly they run through every aspect of the school as this is something we have worked hard to achieve. As noted, we carefully consider how to support every aspect of pupils' personal growth in order to develop kind and thoughtful children who are attentive and passionate. We make sure we celebrate good pupil behaviour and take time to listen to our parents and carers to understand their important needs as well.’   

 

Children are well cared for in the Early Years settings of Nursery and Reception due to strong relationships between staff and pupils, a good understanding of needs, and close connections with parents and carers.  

 

Lady Seaward’s is a member school of First Federation Trust, a multi-academy of 29 primaries across Plymouth, Devon and Dorset. Kath Powell, Director of Inclusivity for First Federation Trust, said ‘We’ve worked hard with Lady Seaward’s to identify and support any disadvantaged pupils or those with special educational needs and/ or disabilities (SEND). Staff are very good at adapting curriculum delivery for those who need extra help to ensure all children have the same opportunity to learn the key information and receive the support they need.’  

 

Michala Firth continues, ‘I’d like to thank everyone involved in getting us to this stage in our journey, to staff for working tirelessly every day, to parents and carers for their constant support in attendance and behaviour, and to the pupils for bringing their energy and enthusiasm.’

Chickerell Primary Academy in Weymouth, Dorset has successfully maintained its Good status in the latest Ofsted report, where pupils are seen to ‘flourish because of the nurturing relationships and support that they receive from staff’ and ‘parents and carers are thrilled with the work of the school’. 

 

The school is praised for the 'high-quality pastoral support’ it offers to pupils and families which ‘teaches pupils how to be safe, keep mentally well and stay active’, and there is an ambitious approach to the curriculum and learning as staff want children to do well.  

 

There are high expectations of behaviour with an approach which is followed well, with pupils who ‘behave sensibly in lessons and social situations’, and 'effective and supportive action’ for those who struggle with their emotions enabling a strong focus on learning.  
 

Jody Harris, Head of Chickerell School, said, ‘We are very pleased with the outcome from Ofsted - what struck the inspector most was just how amazing our children are. They were incredibly polite, happy to chat and share their thoughts on what it’s like to be a part of the school and demonstrated really positive learning attitudes in lessons.’ 

 

Support for those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) is strong, with the school making ‘necessary adaptations in order for pupils to access the curriculum with success’ and with access to occupational health and speech and language therapists. 

 

Children are fortunate to have access to a range of activities and experiences to benefit their personal development and enhance their interests, talent, perseverance and leadership with the Junior Dukes Award and Young Apprentice Club, kickboxing, circus skills, computer coding and more. 

 

Chickerell Primary is governed by First Federation Trust and the school is said to appreciate the ‘high-quality support, guidance and challenge the trust provides’ and staff 'welcome the efforts of leaders to look after their well-being and ensure that the workload is manageable.’ 

 

Jody continues, ‘I’d like to say a huge thank you to all those who completed the Ofsted surveys - the inspector was bowled over by the sheer volume of responses, as well as how overwhelmingly positive they were.’ 

Loders CE Primary Academy near Bridport, Dorset has successfully maintained its Good status in the latest Ofsted report, where staff are seen to ‘meet the needs of individual pupils in every decision they make’ and pupils are ‘happy and safe’, ‘keen to learn and achieve well’.  

 

Claire Pooley, Head of School for Loders Primary said, ‘Our school values are love, hope, equality, respect, wisdom, thankfulness and perseverance and we are proud of our pupils who recognise and fulfil these values on a daily basis. We’re really pleased that Ofsted has recognised our ‘strong sense of community’ and our high expectations for behaviour and attendance.’   

 

Ofsted praised pupils’ behaviour which is deemed as being ‘impressive in lessons and during social times’. Children are seen to have ‘high levels of respect and kindness towards one another’ are ‘polite and well mannered’ and 'accept each other’s differences’. They ‘show tolerance and empathy when their friends experience challenges’.   

 

Since the last inspection in March 2019, staff have worked hard to strengthen the well-designed curriculum and made improvements to support those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) with adaptations made to the curriculum to ensure ‘equal opportunity for all pupils to develop a broad body of knowledge’.  

 

There is a strong focus on early reading, writing and mathematics from Nursery age, resulting in strong achievements in these areas. Ofsted has praised the behaviour and personal development of early years, highlighting how well children 'learn how to socialise, work together and become independent’ from the moment they enter Nursery due to the positive relationships with staff.   

 

Pupils have ‘rich developmental experiences’ with interesting residential trips and local visits which develops their ‘resilience and team skills’ and enhances their learning experiences. They are encouraged to develop their interests and talents with a good range of clubs including ‘cross country, computing, dance and outdoor adventure activities’.   

 

Claire continues, ‘We’re proud of our pupils for their extensive charitable work and offer them opportunities to support homelessness and reduce pollution by collecting plastic. We also offer a good mix of leadership roles with school councillors, play leaders and Christion vision leaders, allowing them to ‘learn how to become thoughtful and caring citizens’.   

 

The school is strong in supporting families and promoting positive mental health offering ‘effective support and guidance for those who need it’ with ‘Stormbreak and Zones of Regulation’ enabling children to manage their emotions.   

 

Parents and carers are said to be ‘delighted with the school’ and ‘appreciate all that it does for them and their children’ while staff ‘are proud to work at the school’ which they call “our little family”. First Federation Trust, the governing body for the school, is seen to offer ‘strong support, guidance and challenge, which the school welcomes and embraces.’  

 

Loders CE Primary School will be having open days for those children due to start school in September 2025 with the next available dates on Wednesday 8th January from 1-3pm, Monday and Tuesday 13th & 14th January from 10am - 12noon.

Parents at Aveton Gifford CE Primary School in South Hams, Devon view it as being ‘the heart of the village, where staff flourish and adults are happy to stay’ according to the most recent SIAMS (Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools) report by the Church of England.  

 

The school near Kingsbridge, which is seen as having a ‘culture of acceptance’, is ‘living up to its foundation as a Church school’ with a Christian vision that ‘shines through school life’. The ‘Visionaries,’ a group of older pupils, help to inspire younger children and ‘recognise the importance of modelling the values’. 

 

Fern De Beer, Head of School, said, ‘Our values are compassion, joy, friendship, perseverance, thankfulness and trust and our vision is Sowing the Seeds for Success. We're proud of our pupils for recognising Bible stories about ‘seeds’ and how they ‘link to everyday experiences’.  

 

Fern continues, ‘We have a strong relationship with the local vicar and church where we connect via many joint events and worship, and have great connections with parents and carers with excellent two-way communication. We’re proud of our strong behaviour and attendance routines and thank everyone for their support in this, and we’re especially proud to see recognition for our pupils who stand up for each other and undertake significant charitable outreach work.’ 

 

The report acknowledges the staff who are seen to ‘flourish in their roles as they know they are valued and nurtured’. Governing body, First Federation Trust, supports the school with leadership and training opportunities and ‘knowledgeable governors and directors provide expertise and challenge, ensuring that the vision is a priority.’  

 

Worship routines are ‘deeply embedded within the fabric of the school’ supporting pupils in ‘making good choices and encouraging them to care for their environment and others’. Enthusiastic staff have ‘strong subject knowledge’ in RE due to excellent training, resulting in children who thoroughly enjoy the subject and ‘deepening their comprehension across the wider curriculum’.  

 

Children are ‘curious learners’ who ask and answer ‘thoughtful and thought-provoking questions’ with a curriculum which also offers ‘opportunities for pupils to reflect and develop spiritually’ with a ‘calm and focused’ learning behaviour and ‘stimulating learning spaces both inside and out’. Pupils are encouraged to have their own opinions and are given a physical outdoor space where they can ‘reflect on what it means to have religious faith’.  

 

Paul Walker, Chief Executive Officer of First Federation Trust, said, ‘Aveton Gifford is particularly strong in supporting pupils who are vulnerable or disadvantaged and are seen to have an ‘inclusive learning environment’. We work alongside leaders at the school to examine individual needs and determine any gaps which we seek to improve.’