Southbroom St James Academy

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school Strong leadership, high-quality teaching and pupils committed to improving their own learning are at the heart of this rapidly improving school.

The executive headteacher, head of school and assistant headteacher form a formidable team. They have not shied away from difficult decisions. They have demonstrated determination and single-mindedness in eliminating inadequate teaching and improving the quality of teaching, learning and assessment.

School leaders are suitably supported and challenged by a skilled governing body. Additionally, officers of the academy trust provide the necessary rigour, as well as high levels of accountability. Mi...ddle leaders demonstrate effective leadership skills.

They have a secure understanding of their subjects and have proved instrumental in improving teaching and raising standards. Leaders at all levels, including governors, know their school well. However, while school evaluation and improvement planning is accurate and proving effective, it lacks a precise focus on the impact of leaders' actions.

Additionally, there are variances in the quality of the minutes of governors' meeting. The recording of the challenge that governors are providing is inconsistent. The quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good.

Teachers have an in-depth understanding of their pupils' needs and plan learning that addresses these needs with precision. As a result, pupils currently in the school are making strong progress from their starting points at the end of key stage 1. The teaching of reading, including early phonics, is particularly effective.

Teachers build pupils' reading skills and systematically develop their ability to infer, deduce and evaluate. Leaders recognise, however, that more work is needed in developing pupils' reading stamina and levels of resilience. In mathematics, teachers ensure that pupils have a secure understanding of basic skills.

Pupils are developing their abilities to apply their understanding and think deeply about their mathematics. Pupils are a delight. Their behaviour and attitudes to learning are consistently good.

Their conduct around the school, and in lessons, demonstrates respect both for themselves and for others. Leaders have established a broad and engaging curriculum. Pupils talk positively about their learning.

Leaders' vision for future curriculum design is ambitious and rooted in proven academic research. Pupils are safe and happy in school. The school's safeguarding arrangements are effective and in line with statutory requirements.

Information about this school

Southbroom St James Academy is an average-sized junior school. There are seven classes – two per year group in Years 3 and 4, and three mixed-aged classes in Years 5 and 6. Each morning, pupils in Years 5 and 6 are taught in single-age classes for English and mathematics.

Since becoming an academy in 2013, the school has been part of DSAT. Leadership is provided by an executive headteacher, who is also the executive headteacher of another school in the trust, and a head of school. The head of school joined the school following the previous inspection.

Additionally, there have been a large number of staff changes since the previous inspection. This includes changes to the majority of the teaching staff, and the appointment of a new assistant headteacher, who also acts as the school's SENCo. The school shares a local governing board with another school within the trust.

At the time of the inspection, there was an interim chair of the governing body in post. The vast majority of pupils are White British. The proportion who speak English as an additional language is broadly in line with the national average.

The proportion of disadvantaged pupils supported through pupil premium funding is well above the national average. The proportion of pupils who have SEN and/or disabilities is well above the national average, as is the proportion of pupils with an education, health and care plan. No pupils are currently receiving education in alternative provision.

The school provides a breakfast club which runs each morning before school. The school is a designated Church of England school. Its next section 48 inspection is scheduled for April 2019.

When Southbroom St James Academy was inspected in December 2016, it was judged to have serious weaknesses. Subsequently, the school was inspected on two occasions. At the last monitoring inspection, leaders and managers were judged to be taking effective action.