Archbishop Cranmer Church of England Academy

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Archbishop Cranmer Primary Academy is a school where pupils really do experience 'life in all its fulness'. Pupils attain highly, including pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). The rich and broad curriculum is underpinned by the school's values.

These are deeply understood by all.

Pupils are extremely proud of their school. They say that any child would 'fit right in' and be welcomed by everyone.

Pupils are highly respectful of staff and each other. Everyone's point of view is valued. Pupils readily explain how they make a difference to their school every day.

The commitment to developing pupils' character is evident thro...ughout the school. Pupils flourish here and feel extremely well supported for the future through the school's 'Take Care' ethos. One pupil explained this by saying, 'Everything that I do is cherished and valued.'

They feel safe at school and have an excellent knowledge of how to stay safe when online.

The youngest children settle quickly into school, guided by older pupils. Firm friendships follow.

Parents and carers value both the exceptionally broad curriculum and the way in which their children are nurtured as individuals. Comments such as 'The school has exceeded my expectations' were typical of many.

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

Pupils speak very highly of their school.

They describe it as 'a school of opportunities'. These are opportunities for all. Staff identify pupils' additional needs with pinpoint accuracy.

They work closely with parents and other organisations to make sure that the support that pupils get is just right. When pupils need to secure important early knowledge, this is woven into their day. Staff skilfully adapt their teaching, and all pupils learn together successfully.

As a result, pupils with SEND make strong progress.

The school is proud of its 'beyond expectations' curriculum, which is planned with meticulous insight. Knowledge is carefully chosen in every subject.

This content also supports pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. Opportunities for pupils to learn about fundamental British values are deeply embedded. Pupils can explain what they have learned and how they can use it.

For example, in economic education, pupils learn about how money is earned, used and saved. They use this knowledge when they independently plan to raise money during a sporting event.

Staff in early years have high expectations of what all children will learn.

Children make swift progress in phonics. Any child who needs more help gets it straightaway. Children use what they have learned, for instance to write about penguins.

Skilful support from staff in Year 1 means that all pupils deepen their knowledge. Books are matched to the sounds that pupils know with meticulous precision. All pupils, including those with SEND, make strong progress in early reading as a result of this highly consistent approach.

Pupils relish the challenge of learning. They become highly fluent in recalling number facts. They apply these facts well to solve problems.

Pupils readily explain how what they have learned previously about population helps them understand different forms of migration. Teachers know exactly what pupils should learn next. No time is wasted; any misconceptions are spotted and immediately addressed.

Pupils who are new to speaking English make rapid progress. All pupils' knowledge goes from strength to strength.

There is an exceptionally wide range of activities for pupils to get involved in.

These are deliberately chosen to complement what pupils experience through the enhanced curriculum offer. The school checks that all pupils take advantage of the wealth of clubs and visits. There are close links with the community of Aslockton.

Pupils can explain how they have 'adopted' the railway station, for example.

Many improvements are led by pupils. Everyone who wants to can get involved as leadership roles cover a wide range of positions, from caring for the school's hens to being digital leaders or playground pals.

Pupils conduct the singing of Christmas carols in different parts. They sing songs and say prayers in the different home languages that are represented in the school community. Pupils are punctual, and attendance is high as they are keen to see what they are learning each day.

The high standards and continuing improvements have not been at the expense of staff morale and well-being. Staff are united in their opinion that their workload is well managed. Governors and trustees check on this regularly.

They ask insightful and challenging questions when they visit the school to see whether the changes being made are having the desired impact. They share the community's pride in the school.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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