The PTFA at Newton Ferrers CE Primary School in South Hams, have raised £32,000 for the primary near Noss Mayo, Devon this year. 

 

The school has used the funds for a variety of products which will further enhance the education and personal development for pupils. Money has been spent on a new trim trail outdoor course which offers exciting playtimes, new books to support children’s reading, chromebooks, the production of events and plays, and a new sound system - all of which is extremely valuable for those who attend Newton Ferrers now and in the future. 

 

Newton Ferrers is part of First Federation Trust, a multi-academy of 29 primary schools across Devon and West Dorset. 

 

Paul Walker, Chief Executive Officer of First Federation Trust, said, ‘I’d like to say a huge thank you for all the efforts the Newton Ferrers PTFA has put into raising funds for the school this year and all previous years. To raise over £32,000 is an amazing feat which is inspirational to all schools. As a Trust, we aim for every child to aspire, flourish and achieve within the heart of their community, and the money they, and all other PTAs, raise will help our schools achieve this. Additional income is always very much appreciated.’ 

In their recent Ofsted Inspection of coastal school Salcombe CE Primary in South Devon, inspectors concluded that the school remains Good and offers a nurturing, safe and happy environment with high standards of behaviour and attendance.  

 

Carla Bennett and Heather Slater, Acting Heads of School, said, ‘We are proud that the report recognises the caring and inclusive ethos at the heart of Salcombe CE Primary School. Inspectors recognised that 'pupils are proud to be part of ‘Team Salcombe’’ and noted the respectful relationships between staff and children across the school, from our two-year-olds in Nursery to our oldest pupils. Our SAIL values of Service, Aspiration, Integrity and Love were described as well-known and truly lived by our children, both in their learning and in the wider experiences we offer, such as sailing, beach cleaning, and residential trips.’ 

 

The report also praises the school’s strong safeguarding arrangements, inclusive approach to supporting all learners (including those with SEND), and commitment to promoting a love of reading from the earliest stages. 

 

Salcombe has been part of First Federation Trust, a multi-academy of 29 primary schools across Devon and Dorset, since 2009. 

 

Paul Walker, Chief Executive Officer at First Federation Trust said, ‘We have worked closely with leaders at Salcombe to make improvements to the curriculum and it’s good to see recognition of these positive changes. Staff are highly supportive of pupils and are committed to getting the best outcomes, and we’re pleased to see strength in reading and priorisation of language and communication.’ 

 

Carla and Heather continue, ‘Together we will ensure all pupils experience a high-quality, ambitious curriculum that enables them to thrive. We are incredibly grateful to our families, pupils, staff and Trust for the hard work, support, encouragement and partnership they provide.’        

In the recent Ofsted inspection of Portesham CE Primary School in West Dorset, inspectors concluded that the school is Good in all areas, with inclusivity, compassion, ambition and attentiveness at the heart of everything they do.  

 

Staff have been recognised as having ‘an unwavering commitment to each pupil thriving both academically and socially’ and children are seen to ‘engage in learning and interact positively during social times’.   
  

Victoria Prior, Head of School, said, ‘We have worked extremely hard over the years to improve our provision for children at Portesham, and we are immensely proud of our strong offering in education and personal development. Pupils are fortunate to have a broad range of extra-curricular activities through clubs and external visits including paddle boarding, cooking at a local restaurant, nature club, trips to the local farm and more. We’re lucky to have a team of passionate staff who take the time to get to know people as individuals which allows children to feel comfortable approaching them for help and guidance.’   

 

Portesham joined First Federation Trust, a multi-academy of 29 primary schools across Devon and Dorset, in January 2022 and has since benefited from the sharing of best practice from other member schools.   

 

Claire Fegan, Director of School Improvement at First Federation Trust, said, ‘Portesham has worked alongside senior leaders to produce a strong curriculum which Ofsted has deemed to be broad and ambitious. Alongside reading and writing, there is an aptitude for art which pupils find therapeutic. Part of our role at the Trust is to ensure teachers are well trained to be able to deliver these subjects to the best of their ability but just as important, we ensure they are able to support pupils and recognise if they need extra help.’ 

 

Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are offered learning plans highlighting what additional support they need and ‘adaptations in lessons help pupils learn alongside their peers and achieve well’. The school places emphasis on encouraging good behaviour and attendance alongside mental health and wellness.  

Year 6 pupils at Blackpool CE Primary School in Liverton, Devon have successfully completed The Blackpool Spirit Award, a programme designed to help children grow into confident, compassionate, and responsible young people. 

 

Throughout the award, children have shown outstanding commitment and enthusiasm across a wide range of challenges. They’ve taken active roles within the school community, built connections with the wider local area, participated in healthy activities, explored new hobbies to support their mental wellbeing, and taken positive steps to protect the environment. They also embraced independence during their residential experience, rising to every challenge with maturity and resilience. 

 

One of the most inspiring parts of their journey was their role as Courageous Advocacy Champions. As part of this, they each selected a charity to support and worked incredibly hard to raise an amazing total of £2,669 for various organisations including Animals in Distress, Seaway Trust, Jay's Aim, Elm's Wildlife Trust, Guide Dogs and more.

 

From planning and organising events to managing their own fundraising activities, they led the way with creativity, teamwork, and a strong sense of purpose. 

 

Mr Russell Pearson, Head of School, said ‘Every pupil has worked incredibly hard throughout this process, not just to complete the award, but to do so in a way that truly reflects the values of kindness, courage, responsibility, and service to others. It has been a joy to watch them grow in confidence, support one another, and make a real and lasting difference to their school and community. Well done, you’ve shown the true meaning of the Blackpool Spirit, and we couldn’t be prouder of you!’ 

St Budeaux CE Primary School on the outskirts of Plymouth, which is ‘living up to its foundation as a Church school’, is driven by its Christian vision and values according to the latest SIAMS (Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools) report by the Church of England. Leaders are seen to ‘ignite pupils’ ambition and enable them to see how they can apply their skills and knowledge’. 

    

Natasha Brooks, Head of School, said, ‘Our Christian vision, ‘a beacon of light ignited by ambition and determination’, is intrinsic to our ethos of supporting one another and empowering each other to do the best we can. We want our school and church to be beacons that shine far and wide, lighting up our community with the light of Jesus through our work, rest and play. By learning about Christian values and listening to the teachings of Jesus, we say to every member of our community: let your light shine.  

  

‘We work hard to inspire and challenge children with an exciting curriculum which is monitored regularly to ensure it aligns with our vision and enhances spirituality through prayer and song. We place importance on collective worship for all faiths and backgrounds which helps bring the school together for a time of reflection.’   

 

Parents are seen to ‘appreciate the difference that adults in the school have made to their children’ and families have an overall sense of belonging due to the school's 'determination to ensure that everyone is welcome'. Everyone is well supported in times of difficulty with staff doing all they can to help in times of need including personalised transition into and out of the school. 

 

Children have healthy relationships with others in the school which helps develop positive attitudes towards behaviour, and they enjoy helping to serve their local community and undertake charitable work which they consider an opportunity to show love.  

    

St Budeaux has been part of First Federation Trust, a multi-academy of 29 primaries across Plymouth, Devon and Dorset, since 2022. Those from the Trust help to support subject leaders with their knowledge, assist with the development of the curriculum, and together with teaching staff work hard to determine individual needs of pupils.  

Mrs Ethelston’s CE Primary School in Uplyme, East Devon, has been selected as one of Devon Music Education Hub’s new Lead Schools for Music. Lead Schools for Music will support the Hub to realise the aspirations of the Department for Education’s National Plan for Music Education.  

 

Selected in recognition of their outstanding music provision, Devon’s Lead Schools including Mrs Ethelston’s, will work closely with the Hub to create sustainable, high-quality music education provision in line with the Department for Education’s national plan for this subject. Mrs Ethelston's is one of twenty-one primary and secondary schools in Devon to be selected. 

 

The Lead Schools for Music will play a crucial role in advocating for music education aiming to ensure all children have access to high quality music education and opportunities.  Lead Schools will foster collaboration among local schools supporting the Hub’s mission to provide inclusive and diverse musical experiences to include primary, secondary, SEND and Alternative Provision settings 

 

Mrs Allington, Head of School, says, ‘We are very excited to work in collaboration with other schools in the area to really enhance musical opportunities in our community. We want to celebrate our musical successes and support the work of the Music Hub to raise the profile of music for all children.’    

 

Mrs Ethelston’s CE Primary School is part of First Federation Trust, a multi academy of 29 primaries across Devon and Dorset.  

 

Claire Fegan, Director of School Improvement at First Federation Trust, says, ‘We’re very pleased that Mrs Ethelston’s has been recognised in this new scheme. Music plays an important part in all our schools as it allows children to express themselves creatively. We encourage children to sing and play instruments to try and help increase self-confidence, and we aim to expose them to a variety of different genres and musical periods in order to foster a love for music overall. We look forward to supporting Mrs Ethelston’s and will share best practice with other schools in the Trust.’   

In their recent Ofsted inspection of Axminster Community Primary Academy in East Devon, inspectors concluded that the school is Good in all areas including quality of education, behaviour, leadership and management, and more.   

 

Pupils are seen to behave well and ‘learn how to care for themselves and others’, and the school has made significant improvements to the curriculum which have been fully embraced.   
  

Claire Hulbert, Head of School, said, ‘Our core values of honesty, resilience, courage, kindness, respect, and community are at the heart of everything we do here at Axminster Community Primary Academy, and we are thrilled that Ofsted has acknowledged the happiness, safety, and inclusivity experienced by our pupils. Our dedicated staff work diligently to ensure our curriculum is tailored to meet the diverse needs of all learners, and we take immense pride in our pupils who have excellent knowledge which they retain and apply effectively.’  

 

Ofsted recognises pupils’ ‘positive attitudes to learning’ including how well they work together and appreciates the school’s commitment to nurturing and developing pupils’ talents and interests.   

 

Claire continues, ‘Over the past three years, we have successfully expanded our facilities, significantly enhancing the learning environment available to our pupils. This expansion has allowed us to increase our nursery and school provision and our school community is now more diverse than ever, with pupils speaking fourteen different languages. We take great pride in fostering an atmosphere of tolerance and a secure understanding of equality and the rule of law among our children.  

 

‘Looking ahead, we are excited to embark on the next phase of our school improvement journey. Next year, we will re-launch our Axminster 6 provision, offering half-termly experiences designed to enrich the learning of each year group. Additionally, our Friday afternoon club enrichment initiative will provide every pupil with the opportunity to engage in a club for half a term, fostering their interests and encouraging connections with peers across the school.’  

 

Axminster Primary joined First Federation Trust, a multi-academy of 29 primary schools across Devon and Dorset, in September 2024 and has since benefited from the sharing of best practice from the other member schools.     

 

Claire Fegan, Director of School Improvement at First Federation Trust, said 'We have really enjoyed working with the team at Axminster Primary since they joined us in September, supporting their developments within teaching, learning and curriculum.  It is particularly pleasing to see Ofsted's recognition of how well teachers present new information.  We look forward to continuing to work with the school on their next chapter and future improvements.'   

 

Mrs Hulbert continues, ‘We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to our school community for their unwavering support. We work hard to embody a collaborative environment where everyone is invested in the learning and development of our pupils, and the relentless commitment of staff, pupils, parents and carers, and the Trust is paramount to making a positive difference in the lives of each child. Together we will fulfil our vision of ‘Achievement for All.’  

The eagerly anticipated redevelopment of the Manstone Avenue site at Sidmouth CE Primary School in Devon is set to begin this July, with local company Skinner Construction due to complete the works.   

 

The collaborative project has been partly funded by the Department for Education (DfE) and Devon County Council, with plans approved by DfE last year to replace and renovate existing buildings, creating a modern new space for pupils’ learning and development.   

 

Alex Spraggon, Head of School, says, ‘We’re really pleased to have a start date for the development works at Manstone and look forward to the benefits the new site will bring to our school and local community. Work is due to be completed by May 2026 and will consist of a modern new-building and redeveloped area both indoors and out, where pupils will continue to receive the high standard of education and care we offer.’    

 

Sidmouth CE Primary is a member school of First Federation Trust, a multi-academy of 29 primaries across Plymouth, Devon and Dorset.   

 

Paul Walker, Chief Executive Officer of First Federation Trust, says, ‘We’re extremely grateful to DfE and Devon County Council for providing funding for this much needed project, and we look forward to working with Skinner Construction, a long-established Sidmouth based company who were awarded the contract after we went out to tender.   

 

'We pride ourselves in working with our member schools to do whatever is needed to improve pupil outcomes and work hard to enhance provisions for all. Sidmouth Primary is known for driving continual improvement and for offering children excellent opportunities which this new site will continue to enhance.’   

 

Mr Spraggon continues, ‘I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their patience as we’ve waited for this project to begin. We're very excited about the impending improvements and will continue to share updates throughout the year. People can follow us on our Sidmouth Primary Facebook page to see photos and notifications along the way.’    

Musbury Moles Preschool near Colyton in East Devon has been incorporated into Musbury Primary School, which is part of First Federation Trust, a multi-academy of 29 primary schools across Devon and Dorset. 

 

Clair Murrell, Head of Musbury Primary, says, ‘Musbury Moles is a well-established preschool based in a separate building on site here at the school. We’ve always maintained a strong, collaborative partnership but feel really excited to officially join forces with them and make it a school-based Nursery for children from two years old. We will continue to provide excellent learning opportunities in a safe and supportive environment, taking advantage of the wonderful outdoor space and highly qualified staff.’ 

 

Starting life as a small group of South Devon schools in 2006, First Federation has grown to a larger multi-academy with primaries spanning across Plymouth, Devon and West Dorset, with schools ranging from two-class village establishments to those from larger coastal towns including church and community. Musbury Primary joined the Trust in 2017 and has benefited greatly over the years from the collaboration and shared expertise on offer, receiving support from leaders in education, safeguarding, inclusivity and professional development. 

 

Paul Walker, Chief Executive Officer of First Federation Trust, said, ‘We’re very pleased to welcome Musbury Moles into our family of schools and look forward to working closely with them as part of our ongoing support with Musbury Primary. As with all our member schools, we will use our collective knowledge and skills to contribute to the growth and development of the Nursery, to ultimately provide the best possible education for all. 

  

It’s important for our member schools to retain their unique identity and values. Musbury Nursery will draw from the existing strength of the school and begin striving towards a shared vision for children to ‘dream big and aim high’, while aspiring for every individual to aspire, flourish and achieve within the heart of the community.’   

 

Ewan Emery-Rich, Acting Nursery Lead, said, ‘We’re looking forward to the future opportunities this amalgamation will bring and to sharing our knowledge and resources. We will continue to encourage children to explore the world around them, and to learn via an extensive range of activities including Forest School, 'cooking’ in the sensory garden and building bug hotels. As an Eco School Green Flag award holder, we also teach children the importance of recycling and upcycling from a young age.’ 

 

Clair Murrell continues, ‘Nursery children will benefit from our broad and progressive Early Years curriculum, and we will introduce reading and phonics from an early age to provide a seamless transition into Reception.’  

 

Musbury Nursery will provide term-time childcare during school opening hours with spaces available from September 2025. Families should contact the school office if they are interested in a visit. 

In their recent Ofsted Inspection of St Budeaux CE Primary on the outskirts of Plymouth, inspectors concluded that leaders had taken 'successful actions to maintain the Good standards of education from their previous inspection'. The latest report has deemed the school to be ‘ambitious for pupil's achievement and personal development' where 'staff create a nurturing environment' and 'pupils are kind and respectful'. 

 

Natasha Brooks, Head of School, said, ‘We’re really pleased that Ofsted has recognised how happy, safe and supported our pupils feel. We work hard to ensure children are meeting expected standards and to support children throughout their entire learning journey from Nursery through to the transition to secondary school. We pride ourselves on our values of friendship, love, forgiveness, respect and joy, and appreciate the recognition of how ‘kind and respectful’ pupils are. 

 

In 2023, we transitioned to a primary setting and now offer our nursery provision for two-year-olds through to Year 6. Children settled into this extremely well, with those from early years enjoying socialising with older pupils, and our older children taking time to support the younger ones. We've worked hard to improve many facilities recently including a new library space which supports our priority for reading and an outdoor classroom, and we are currently in the process of investing £50,000 into the regeneration of an outdoor room which will be used by local community groups and the school.’ 

 

St Budeaux is governed by First Federation Trust, a multi-academy of 29 primary schools across Devon and Dorset, and has benefited from the sharing of best practice from the other member schools.    

 

Paul Walker, Chief Executive Officer at First Federation Trust said, ‘Our member schools, including St Budeaux, benefit from working collaboratively, sharing collective experience, and providing support and inspiration to one another. We seek to enhance the provision at all our schools, whilst enabling them to maintain their individual identities and the freedom to shape and deliver a curriculum that reflects their school's values.

 

At St Budeaux, senior leaders work with staff to develop an expansive, ambitious curriculum which is regularly reviewed to support the needs and interests of all children. Teaching staff have been provided with training and development opportunities to ensure their subject knowledge is up to date, and Ofsted has recognised the detailed knowledge they display across a broad range of subjects.’   

 

St Budeaux offers ample opportunity for pupils to ‘develop their strength of character and understanding of community’ through fund-raising initiatives, visiting local care homes and more. They’re offered insightful careers advice and have access to a range of extra-curricular activities including cookery, junior field gun and sport. The school links with a local university to provide children with challenges and activities to develop their teamwork and resilience skills.  

 

Those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are ‘well supported and confident in their learning’, and all children are taught how to manage their emotions. There is a good understanding of the high behavioural expectations, and pupils are ‘encouraged to become active citizens and to understand their own mental health’.   

 

Mrs Brooks continues, ‘We’d like to thank our hardworking staff and pupils, and our parents, carers and the Trust for their continued support. We look forward to completing the refurbishment of our room for the community and will continue make future improvements where needed to enhance our facilities and education for all.’