St Leonard’s Church of England Primary Academy

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

St Leonard's Church of England Primary Academy has a strong sense of community. Pupils put into practice the school's values, including perseverance and courage.

These underpin a positive culture, where a strong sense of belonging means pupils are confident, welcome others and enjoy learning.

The school has high expectations for how pupils should behave. Pupils understand the clear rules.

This starts in early years where children follow routines well. They listen carefully to adults and take turns working with their peers. Positive relationships exist between staff and pupils.

Pupils know adults will listen and help them with any concerns. Pupils lea...rn the importance of being responsible and thoughtful individuals. As a result, they feel happy and safe at school.

Pupils conduct themselves in a calm and orderly manner around the school. They play well with one another during social times.

Pupils enjoy a range of clubs, including sports, singing and martial arts.

They take pride in their roles as worship councillors, reading ambassadors and play leaders. Pupils treat everyone fairly and equally.

Most parents praise the impact of the school's work with their children.

Despite the school's efforts, some parents lack confidence in how the school manages their concerns.

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

The school has a clear vision. It has designed an inclusive and well-sequenced curriculum that identifies the important knowledge it wants pupils to learn and when.

For example, in mathematics in the early years, children learn about number patterns. They develop their numeracy through well-planned learning activities. As pupils move into key stage 1, they practise their learning to improve their skills.

They use physical resources to help them solve mathematical problems. This means they are well prepared when they move to new learning. The daily 'maths on track' sessions help pupils to develop their knowledge.

This sharpens the focus on pupils' progression through the mathematics curriculum.

Staff have strong subject knowledge. They use this to build on what pupils have already learned, helping them to secure their understanding.

Teachers check what pupils know and remember. They adapt the learning to help pupils who are unsure. In history, for example, pupils use images to help recall the impact of the industrial revolution.

In a few parts of the curriculum, pupils are not given work that deepens their knowledge and understanding in a timely way. When this is the case, pupils' learning lacks depth and slows the progress pupils make through the curriculum.

Staff and pupils share a love of reading.

Phonics teaching starts as soon as children join in the early years. Assessment is used well to check how successfully pupils are learning the phonetic code. Pupils read books that are matched to the sounds they know.

The school carefully checks to identify pupils who are at risk of falling behind. Staff provide support for pupils to catch up. As they move through the school, pupils read with increasing accuracy and fluency.

Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) benefit from the school's inclusive ethos. All pupils take part in the wider life of the school. Pupils with SEND are identified accurately.

Clear plans provide the right pastoral and academic support. Staff break down learning into small steps for those pupils who need this. Where appropriate, the school uses specialist services that support pupils' individual needs.

In Reception, staff skilfully develop children's language and social skills.

Pupils have a range of experiences to develop their interests and talents. They debate and discuss important issues such as global warming.

They learn about local charities and raise money to help others. Pupils take pride in their roles as school councillors. These roles help them to make a difference in the school and support others.

Pupils learn why fundamental British values, such as tolerance and respect, are important. They learn about the qualities of a good friend and different relationships. Pupils are well prepared for life in modern Britain.

Trustees and the local academy council have an astute understanding of the school's strengths and areas for development. They provide support and challenge to ensure the school continues to improve. Staff appreciate the support they receive from leaders and the trust, which helps them develop their expertise.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

What does the school need to do to improve?

(Information for the school and appropriate authority)

• In some subjects, the ambitious intent of the curriculum is not always matched by teaching that fully develops the knowledge and skills the school has identified. This means pupils do not develop the depth of knowledge they need.

The school and trust should ensure that in all subjects pupils develop the precise knowledge and skills they need to be successful. ? Some parents are dissatisfied that concerns they raise are not dealt with well enough or resolved. The school and the trust should ensure that there is effective communication with parents.