Cheam Fields Primary Academy

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Cheam Fields Primary Academy is where the values of 'learning, excellence and opportunity' are not just words but a way of life. The school has created a nurturing and purposeful learning environment which enables staff to provide pupils with important skills for life, such as reading, mathematics and digital literacy. The school develops individuals to be curious and enthusiastic learners.

Pupils are highly motivated to learn as a result of the exciting curriculum that is in place. This enthusiasm results in pupils achieving exceptionally well academically.

Pupils thoroughly enjoy coming to school and feel very safe.

As a result, attendance is high. Pupils b...ehave very well because the school has very high expectations. This begins from the very start, with children in the early years quickly learning the school's routines and structures.

Pupils experience an impressive wider development offer. For example, pupils have successfully participated in competitions for sustainable development. They represent the school at a local, national and international level.

The school has an extensive range of sporting, musical and other range of extra-curricular activities. These are supported by a wide range of trips and residentials. This develops pupils' strengths and interests so they can become well-rounded individuals.

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

The school has designed a highly ambitious curriculum. It has carefully thought about what pupils need to know and understand for each of the subject areas. This is completed for the different points in a pupil's learning journey.

In mathematics, children in Reception count up to 10 using objects. In Year 3, pupils accurately add three-digit numbers, which is then developed further in Year 4, as pupils add four-digit numbers accurately and confidently.

The school has made sure that teachers are proficient in teaching the curriculum across subjects.

They combine exceptionally strong subject knowledge with the ability to clearly communicate what pupils need to learn. Teachers extend pupils' vocabulary. Teachers provide opportunities for pupils to strengthen their use of digital technology.

In history, Year 5 pupils were learning about the oracle bones from the Shang Dynasty while using technology to compare and contrast them with other civilisations.

Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) achieve well because their learning is adapted well. For example, the use of electronic devices provides some pupils with SEND with appropriate adjustments.

Staff have the required knowledge and expertise to do this with precision.

Teachers skilfully check pupils' learning. This enables them to identify any misconceptions and select the most suitable activities to enable pupils to learn and remember more.

This was evident in a physical education lesson, where pupils were learning the front crawl swimming stroke. They made use of their prior learning about leg action techniques and used this with greater precision and accuracy. Children in the early years learn to problem-solve and cooperate well with each other.

For example, children in Reception took turns and created different roles to make the different parts of a potion together.

Pupils enjoy reading. The teaching of reading starts in the Nursery, where children learn through rhymes and actions.

As pupils progress through Reception and Years 1 and 2, they benefit from a systematic approach to phonics and quickly gain confidence in their reading. The pupils who need help with phonics, receive targeted support and intervention. As a result, they rapidly catch up with their peers.

Older pupils talk about their favourite books with enthusiasm. They discuss the plot and the characters involved in the story with accuracy and using ambitious vocabulary.

The school has an impressive personal development programme in place to increase pupils' development beyond the academic.

It ensures that pupils develop their character very well. It does this, for example, through ensuring pupils are secure in their understanding of democracy and how to contribute to the society. Pupils have an exceptional awareness of how to keep themselves safe in different situations, for example, water safety.

Pupils have extensive opportunities to contribute to the school. Pupils are proud to be ambassadors of the school. They take on responsibilities, including through advocacy, sports, reading, and as active citizens and digital leaders.

As a result, they are respectful, have high levels of independence, and work well in different situations.

The school is forward-thinking and highly reflective. There is a systematic approach to reviewing and improving all aspects of the school's work.

Staff value and appreciate the diverse range of training opportunities, including those provided by the trust. This enables them to get the very best from the pupils. Governors and trustees enable the school to focus on the key priorities.

This has resulted in the school performing exceptionally well across all areas. Parents and carers are highly supportive and appreciative of the work of the school.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.