Loxley Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

This is an exceptional school.

The school motto of 'aiming high together' encapsulates a vision shared by all staff, pupils and families. Pupils feel safe and valued. They are proud of the school and thrive during their time at Loxley.

Staff are ambitious for pupils' achievement, including pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Pupils achieve extremely well in all areas of the curriculum.

Relationships between staff and pupils are strong.

Behaviour is excellent. In lessons, pupils are enthusiastic and eager to learn. Residential opportunities take place across all key stage 2 classes.

This helps pupils build resili...ence. Staff work tirelessly to ensure that pupils attend school as often as possible. The actions they have taken to improve attendance have been recognised at a national level and act as an example for other schools to follow.

Pupils make a significant difference to the local community. They volunteer by helping to preserve the local woodland and maintain war graves in the area. Pupils enjoy a wide range of extra-curricular activities, including singing in the community and playing different sports.

Pupils learn numerous tuned instruments, including the clarinet and keyboard.

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

The school's curriculum is extremely ambitious. It is planned carefully in all subjects so that pupils build their knowledge sequentially.

Pupils apply this knowledge very well. They make connections between the different aspects of the curriculum, and this helps them to deepen their understanding of key concepts. In English, pupils learn about both Standard English and the Sheffield dialect and use this knowledge meaningfully to enhance their writing and develop their understanding of their local area.

Pupils' understanding of the local heritage is very strong. For example, they learn in detail about the legend of Robin of Loxley by visiting a medieval boundary stone in the nearby woods. Expert staff ensure the curriculum is implemented consistently.

This ensures all pupils, particularly those with SEND, build rich knowledge. For example, in Year 2, pupils learn how munitions were made and then transported from Sheffield during the war before making explicit links to the need for metal during this period. Pupils in Year 5 read musical notation confidently and play instruments to Beethoven's 'Ode to Joy' symphony.

Well-established procedures are in place to identify pupils with SEND. Carefully considered home visits for children before they join the school help to ensure that pupils quickly receive the right support. Staff adapt the curriculum carefully and effectively for pupils with SEND.

Reading is a priority. Expert teaching of phonics is evident across the school. Books are closely matched to the sounds that pupils know.

This ensures that pupils are provided with high-quality opportunities to practise reading. Almost all pupils have a secure knowledge of phonics by the end of Year 1. Pupils who need extra support are provided with high-quality additional intervention.

They quickly develop reading fluency and stamina as a result. Pupils read widely. They talk with passion about the different books they have read.

They value the curated book corners in their classrooms.

Children in the early years get off to a flying start to their time in the school. Relationships between staff and children are warm and nurturing.

Routines are quickly established. Vocabulary is given high priority, and staff expertly plan activities that help pupils build their language skills effectively. Throughout the school, including in the early years, staff are quick to identify pupils who need extra help.

Pupils get the support they need to be highly successful in their learning. Pupils work hard and show determination in their learning. Children in the early years show high levels of resilience and tenacity and sustain interest in all areas of the curriculum.

Pupils' conduct is exemplary. Bullying is rare, and the school's work to deal with any behaviour incidents that do occur is highly effective.

The personal development offer is superb.

Pupils take their responsibilities to improve the local environment seriously. They collect litter and build hedgehog homes. Pupils learn about different faiths and religions.

Every pupil in the school gets the chance to follow their 'individual portfolio', which allows them to develop their talents and interests in a range of ways. These wider opportunities are well considered and include chances to engage in interesting sports such as roller hockey. The school does whatever it takes to make sure all pupils can access these opportunities and everyone is included.

Leaders are unwavering in ensuring all members of the school community share their ambition. Parents and carers typically feel valued and respected. Those responsible for governance fulfil their duties effectively.

They know the school very well and ensure that leaders at all levels are focused on continually improving all aspects of the school's work. Leaders ensure that staff workload is considered carefully.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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