Cheers of joy echoed through the corridors of Furzeham Primary and Nursery School, on Higher Furzeham Road in Devon, as it received its Ofsted report praising the school for delivering a Strong Standard across attendance and behaviour, early years, and personal development and wellbeing.
The school was graded to be operating at the expected standard – which is a positive outcome under the new Ofsted framework launched in 2025 – for achievement, curriculum and teaching, inclusion, leadership and governance.
“Pupils enjoy school immensely and, as a result, attendance has improved significantly over time. Leaders are tenacious in their efforts to improve attendance for all pupils. They focus on ensuring that pupils and families understand the connection between regular attendance and future achievement,” says the report, following the inspection in January.
The school, a member of the Thinking Schools Academy Trust, has a “highly effective” early years provision with a “carefully crafted programme” where “children thrive and develop a foundation for future learning”.
Assessments made within the report about the good quality of early years were welcomed by staff.
Furzeham Primary School has recently opened a Little Thinkers nursery for 9months to 2-year-olds. They also opened a school-based nursery for two-year-olds too.
Claire Thompson, Deputy Headteacher, said: “We are delighted that Ofsted recognised the strength of our early years provision. Creating a nurturing, language‑rich environment where children feel confident, curious and excited about learning is at the heart of what we do.
The inspectors’ comments reflect the care, expertise and ambition of our early years team, and the strong foundations we are building so that every child gets the very best start to their education.”
Elsewhere, the inspector said: “Children flourish in their personal, social and emotional development. Through the well-structured curriculum, they learn to build friendships and develop kindness, respect and thoughtfulness towards one another.”
Furzeham Primary School and Nursery was commended for its work to develop pupils' character, offering a skilfully planned curriculum with links to the Brixham area and its national history, and the deep understanding pupils must contribute positively to society and be their best selves.
For inclusion, the report shares that: “the school places great importance on creating a fully inclusive culture in which pupils are welcomed, nurtured and cared for. Pastoral support is very effective, ensuring that pupils feel safe and well supported. Pupils value the care and protection provided.”
Leadership and governance met the expected standard too. The report states: “Trustees and governors know the school well. They provide appropriate challenge and support in equal measure, which strengthens leadership and drives continued improvement across the school.”
Paul Adams, Headteacher at Furzeham Primary School, said: “We are incredibly proud of this report and of the school community it reflects.
The recognition of our close, caring and nurturing relationships shows what happens when children are truly placed at the heart of everything we do.
Our pupils thrive because they feel safe, valued and inspired to be their best selves, and this outcome is a real celebration of their hard work, the dedication of our staff and the strong partnership we share with families and the Thinking Schools Academy Trust.”