Schools’ watchdog praise Beacon

The latest report by the Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted) also praised the progress of pupils and the school’s ‘nurturing’ environment which they say will mean that the school will get even better.

Richard Light led the three inspectors in a two-day inspection last month and said: “The Beacon provides a good and improving quality of education.

“Pupils make good progress in their learning as a result of good and sometimes outstanding teaching with sharply focused support. Pupils achieve well academically and personally.”

He added that the school provided ‘strong care, guidance and support.’

“Pupils enjoy coming to school, as shown by their high levels of attendance, because they feel valued and very safe,” he said.

“Outstanding behaviour in lessons, around the school and in the breakfast club, plays a pivotal role in the quality of pupils’ learning.”

They said that headteacher Sue Lockwood provided very strong and clear leadership and headed ‘committed’ staff who had ‘outstanding’ relationships with parents.

One parent told him: “My daughter has grown in confidence since attending school and is thriving academically. She clearly feels important and valued.”

Mr Light said the curriculum was enhanced by out of school clubs, and the pupil’s had a ‘strong sense of community’ through fund-raising for charities like Christian Aid and through participation in the Exmouth Festival.

And to continue its recent, rapid improvements, the school should focus on raising pupils’ progress and standards in boys writing, in year’s one and two from good to outstanding and give children more time to respond to teachers’ marking.

Head teacher Sue Lockwood said: “We are delighted that our pupils’ outstanding attitudes and behaviour were identified by the inspection team.

“The Beacon is a super place to be, thanks to the children and to a great team of committed and hardworking staff, governors and volunteers.”