Abbey Mead Primary Academy

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils love attending Abbey Mead Primary Academy.

They really appreciate the phenomenal education that this wonderful school provides them. In the early years, children settle quickly and develop a passion for learning. Pupils throughout the school excitedly engage with lessons and enrichment activities.

The school's focus on pupils' broader personal development prepares them exceptionally well for their next stages in education and their future lives.

Pupils' behaviour is exemplary. There are no distractions to learning.

At social times, pupils get along well and play together respectfully. Inspirational staff teach pupils how to grow their 'charact...er muscles'. Pupils recognise that this helps them to be the best they can be.

They develop mature attitudes and talk eagerly about their future aspirations.

Pupils come from a diverse range of cultural backgrounds. This diversity is respected and valued by all.

Pupils gain a deep understanding of a range of faiths and cultures. They joyfully celebrate different festivals together. Pupils proudly take on responsibilities in school and get involved with projects to support the local community.

Pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), enjoy activities that allow them to develop their talents in sports, arts and other interests.

What does the school do well and what does it need to do better?

There is a culture of aspiration based on the very highest expectations for all in this school. Dedicated and caring staff at all levels collectively share a commitment to excellence.

Together, they have carefully developed an exceptionally rich and ambitious curriculum for all pupils, including those with SEND. In every subject, knowledge has been clearly identified so that all staff know precisely what pupils should learn. Beginning in the early years and throughout key stages 1 and 2, subject curriculums are sequenced very well so that pupils build knowledge and make connections as they progress.

Pupils learn subject-specific vocabulary so that they can discuss and make sense of what they are learning.

The curriculum provides many opportunities for pupils to broaden their cultural understanding. For example, in history and geography, pupils learn about migration and how it is relevant to their local community.

In English and art, pupils study writers and artists from a wide range of different cultures and backgrounds. Themes of equality and diversity are thoughtfully embedded across the curriculum. Learning is further enriched by trips to museums and theatres as well as other interesting locations.

In classrooms, highly skilled staff teach new concepts clearly. They plan lessons very well so that pupils gain knowledge securely. There are lots of opportunities for pupils to think deeply and practise skills.

Staff help pupils to recall what they have learned previously and make links to new knowledge. They constantly check pupils' learning and address misconceptions very quickly. When necessary, lessons are very effectively adapted to meet the needs of all pupils, including those with SEND or those who speak English as an additional language.

As a result, pupils enthusiastically produce work of high quality across the curriculum. They remember what they have learned and achieve very well.

Children in the early years get off to the best possible start.

Expert staff make sure that they quickly develop social and communication skills. They make sure that learning activities precisely match children's interests and stages of development. As a result, children thrive.

They enjoy following well-established routines and become eager learners.

The school places the highest priority on making sure that pupils quickly learn to read. This begins with phonics lessons in the early years.

As pupils gain reading knowledge, staff check pupils' learning often and provide personalised support for those who need it. Pupils relish listening to their teachers read and develop a love of reading for pleasure.

The curriculum for personal, social and health education (PSHE) is exceptionally well planned and expertly delivered.

Staff make sure that pupils know how to keep safe and maintain good physical and mental health. Pupils benefit from well-planned and age-appropriate lessons about relationships and online safety. Staff respond to pupils' worries and address these through PSHE lessons.

For example, when some pupils in Year 1 expressed their concerns about crossing a busy road near the school, staff addressed this with them so that they felt safe and confident.

Pupils, parents and staff are rightly proud to be a part of this exceptional school. Parents value the school's excellent communication and support.

Staff enjoy opportunities to further develop their expertise. They are well supported by leaders from the school and multi-academy trust to deliver the very best for the pupils in the school.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.