Dickleburgh Church of England Primary Academy (With Pre-School)

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils experience a warm, supportive environment that encourages both academic success and personal growth. From the start, teachers set high expectations that challenge each pupil. The curriculum fosters pupils' curiosity and a love for learning.

As a result, pupils achieve highly in a range of subjects. Every pupil learns how to play an instrument. Their artwork is colourful and characterful.

Their writing is articulate and neat.

Daily school life emphasises respect and a strong sense of community. Pupils consistently show respectful behaviour.

The school is a positive atmosphere where learning can flourish. This is because staff uphold clear, cons...istent expectations. This, in turn, fosters a calm, orderly environment where pupils feel safe and valued.

Pupils appreciate the school's approach because they can learn effectively without disruptions.

The school offers varied and rich opportunities for personal development. This includes diverse clubs and leadership roles that build character and confidence.

These opportunities are available to all pupils. Pupils take pride in performing at community events, such as singing at a local cathedral. They develop responsibility through buddy systems where older pupils support the younger ones.

They also develop empathy and social awareness through charity work and roles that promote teamwork.

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

The school supports pupils to excel in a wide range of subjects. The curriculum is broad and ambitious.

It is thoroughly structured to meet the needs of all pupils. Lessons are carefully sequenced so that pupils build on their prior knowledge.

The school supports teachers to teach every subject with high levels of expertise.

For example, music lessons immerse pupils in performance, music theory and styles. As a result, pupils develop a strong musical appreciation alongside the skills they need to continue their music studies in the future. Teachers frequently check how well pupils are learning the curriculum.

They swiftly address any gaps in learning. The trust supports teachers to continue to develop their skills and expertise. Teachers benefit greatly from the trust's teacher networks and resources.

This helps the school to maintain its high standards.

Teachers effectively adapt the curriculum and adjust learning activities for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities. They maintain a sharp focus on pupils' individual needs.

If a pupil begins to struggle, staff follow a systematic process to provide appropriate, effective and timely help. For example, in the pre-school, bespoke support helps children progress rapidly in their speech, language and communication skills.

Children in the early years benefit from a carefully structured approach.

The curriculum emphasises curiosity, language development and foundational knowledge such as counting. Staff sing with and read to children every day. This helps to improve their vocabulary and communication skills.

Staff create a nurturing environment where children feel safe, happy and eager to learn. Children take part in activities that encourage sharing, taking turns and listening. The close collaboration between the pre-school and the Reception Year prepares children very well for success in Year 1 and beyond.

The school has a highly consistent approach to behaviour. As soon as children join the pre-school, they learn routines and rules for politeness and listening to adults. Staff reinforce this approach every day throughout the school.

Staff model respectful interactions. This helps to create a safe, inclusive atmosphere. Low-level disruptions to lessons are very rare.

This gives teachers more time to notice and celebrate kindness and hard work. The school's commitment to these high standards benefits every child. This includes those who may need a quieter setting to feel comfortable and focused.

The curriculum provides opportunities for pupils to connect with their cultural heritage. They learn to appreciate many diverse traditions from around the world. For example, pupils learn both traditional English hymns such as 'Once in Royal David's City' and popular global songs such as 'Feliz Navidad'.

Charity visits from local professionals, such as police officers and healthcare workers, teach pupils the importance of giving back and understanding community roles. The school ensures pupils learn how to keep safe and be healthy. Pupils also learn about social responsibility and community awareness in a range of lessons and assemblies.

The school is rightly proud of its ability to support and develop new teachers and future school leaders. Trust leaders, school leaders and school staff are all committed to bringing the school's vision to fruition. Staff feel supported.

The school shares its best practice willingly and welcomes support and challenge. The trust's systems of support provide ways for school staff to feel and be part of something bigger.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.