Studham Village CofE Academy

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Smiles, warmth and respect are in abundance in school. From oldest to youngest, pupils get on well with one another and delight in each other's company. Older pupils keep a watchful eye out for children in Reception.

They act as positive role models for these children to look up to.

Adults have high expectations of pupils, both in their learning and how they behave. Pupils meet these expectations each and every day.

They behave extremely well and work hard in lessons. They think hard when tackling tricky work and show great pride when they succeed. Pupils learn very well.

Pupils love being a 'Studham Star', and readily take on roles of responsibility... in school. Whether a house captain, prefect or collective worship monitor, pupils carry out these roles with diligence.

Many and varied opportunities are on offer for pupils to broaden their horizons.

They learn about, and celebrate, differences between themselves and others. Pupils take well-calculated risks in the forest school area. Many are involved in growing vegetables in the school allotment or harvesting apples to make fresh apple juice for others.

This rich offer ensures pupils leave the school as kind and compassionate young people.

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

The school has carefully designed the curriculum to provide pupils with the important knowledge they need to succeed. They remember much of the curriculum they are taught.

Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) make strong progress. These pupils receive well-tailored support. Adults know where pupils with SEND have difficulties and put in place strategies to help pupils learn well.

Teachers provide opportunities for pupils to apply and recap their new learning. In mathematics, for example, pupils develop a detailed knowledge of calculation strategies by the time they reach Year 4. Pupils build their new knowledge on what they already know.

This is because teachers have strong subject knowledge in the subjects they teach. They explain new ideas and concepts clearly, so pupils understand and have plenty of opportunities to apply and recap their new learning.

Adults are skilled at teaching reading.

Pupils crack the phonics code and go on to become fluent and confident readers. The few who find reading tricky receive effective support to help them to catch up – which they do. Pupils develop a love of reading and relish choosing new books to take home.

The Nursery provision immerses children in stories, rhymes and poems to help them learn and use new words. Skilled adults help children in Nursery and Reception build their vocabulary.

While pupils have strong phonics knowledge when they read, some cannot successfully apply this knowledge to their spelling when they are writing.

Some younger pupils do not spell words correctly when they are writing independently. This means their writing is not as accurate as it could be.

Children in Nursery and Reception learn in a caring and nurturing environment.

Adults working with the youngest children are highly skilled. They know children extremely well. This means they provide activities to help children develop the knowledge, skills and attributes they need for the next step in their journey through school.

Children in Reception become increasingly independent and resilient. The youngest children with SEND have their needs accurately identified. This means adults swiftly put in place any additional support needed.

Pupils benefit enormously from the well-considered personal development programme. They try new things, persevere and play an important role in the school community. Opportunities such as the annual 'camp out', musical performances and leadership opportunities help pupils to develop their character and independence.

A culture of mutual respect runs through the school.

Pupils behave exceptionally well. They listen carefully to adults and one another, valuing the views of others.

The 'Studham Stride' ensures pupils move around the school with a purpose, meaning they do not disturb others in their learning. Attendance is very high. Pupils miss very few days.

The school keeps a close eye on attendance and acts swiftly if, on the odd occasion, a pupil's attendance starts to drop.

Trustees and members of the local governing body operate strategically to keep a careful eye on how the school is doing. They hold an accurate view of the school.

Over the past few years, leaders have acted with determination to bring about improvements. They have a sharp eye on what needs further refinement to continue to improve pupils' education. Staff take great pride in the jobs they do.

Regular high-quality training from leaders or through the trust, help them keep their practice sharp. Senior leaders take great care in ensuring staff workload is well-managed.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

What does the school need to do to improve?

(Information for the school and appropriate authority)

• The school does not provide enough opportunity and support for some younger pupils to accurately apply their well-developed phonic knowledge to their spelling. As a result, pupils do not always spell words accurately when they write independently. The school should ensure it continues to implement the planned training to provide support for all staff so that pupils apply their phonic knowledge consistently and accurately when writing.