Setting

Mr Tim Hughes Headteacher Abbotskerswell Primary School Abbotskerswell Newton Abbot Devon TQ12 5NS

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Primary School

Following my visit to your school on 16 October 2013, I write on behalf of Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Education, Children’s Services and Skills to report the findings of my visit. Thank you for the help you gave me and for the time you made available to discuss the actions you are taking to improve the school since the most recent section 5 inspection.

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Primary School

The visit was the first monitoring inspection since the school was judged to require improvement following the section 5 inspection in July 2013. It was carried out under section 8 of the Education Act 2005.

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Primary School

Senior leaders and governors are taking effective action to tackle the areas requiring improvement identified at the recent section 5 inspection. The school should take further action to:

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Primary School

 ensure that all evaluations of teaching revisit previously identified areas for improvement so that progress can be evaluated  make certain that the governing body have the information they require to track the school improvement plan and ensure that all teaching is good or better  ensure that all success criteria in the improvement plan are measureable.

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Evidence

During the visit, I met with you, three members of the governing body and a representative of the local authority to discuss the action taken since the last Tribal 1–4 Portland Square Bristol BS2 8RR T 0300 123 1231 Text Phone: 0161 6188524 enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk www.ofsted.gov.uk Direct T 01173115323 Direct email :suzy.smith@tribalgroup.com inspection. You gave me a tour of the school so that I could see children and staff at work and I met with three members of your teaching staff to discuss their leadership roles and developments in the quality of teaching. I considered a range of documents, including the outcomes of monitoring activities and the impact of performance management. I also evaluated the school improvement plan.

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Main findings

I am pleased to report that you and your governing body have taken decisive action to improve the quality of teaching since your recent inspection. The teaching and learning policy and ‘top tips’ are beginning to establish a consistent approach across the school that your teachers support and understand. The renewed focus on planning for pupils’ learning and tackling misconceptions when they arise is beginning to impact positively on pupil progress. The school’s high expectations of pupil progress are clear in the challenging targets that have been set for all pupils, many of which expect accelerated progress. Your action plan is thorough and appropriately focused on your key areas for development.

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Main findings

The governing body have established a committee to closely monitor the improvements being made to teaching and learning in the school. This is a sensible approach. They have also identified areas in their own practice that can be further improved to support the school’s overall development.

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Main findings

Ofsted may carry out further visits and, where necessary, provide further support and challenge to the school until its next section 5 inspection. I will return to the school within the next twelve months to evaluate the school’s progress toward becoming good.

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External support

The local authority provides the school with a good balance of support and challenge. Regular meetings focus on progress, while advisors are currently supporting the development of leadership and mathematics. The headteacher is also making very effective use of links with a number of local good schools to secure improvements in pupil progress and attainment.

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External support

The governing body should seek further training opportunities from the local authority to support them in their development.

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External support

I am copying this letter to the Chair of the Governing Body and the Director of Children’s Services for Devon County Council.

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