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.’