Trinity Academy Akroydon

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils are proud to be part of this highly inclusive school. Leaders have established a powerful vision: 'be remarkable, be determined, be proud'.

This inspires pupils to live out these values through their exemplary conduct and attitudes to learning. Trinity Academy Akroydon is a vibrant, friendly and happy place in which to learn.

The school has established an ambitious curriculum for pupils to study.

From Reception to Year 6, pupils master the skills that they need to become independent learners. This motivates pupils to be resilient when learning something new or mastering a new skill. Pupils extend their skills by taking on many leadership roles in the s...chool.

These roles are a golden thread that inspire pupils to contribute to their school community. Pupils are rightly proud of their school.

Pupils' behaviour is exemplary.

Adults apply their high expectations of behaviour and routines consistently well. This supports pupils to manage and regulate their own behaviour, whether adults are present or not. If pupils struggle, adults provide highly effective support to help them to get back on track.

Pupils recognise the importance of their learning, so lessons are calm and focused. All pupils understand that what they learn now will support their ambitions for the future.

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

The school has established an ambitious curriculum that supports all pupils well.

In most subjects, staff have made sure that pupils learn this curriculum in an order that helps them to build their knowledge step by step. In early years, children develop their understanding of the past by learning about their local area. They apply this knowledge to their study of the history of childhood.

This helps pupils to secure their understanding of chronology before studying other important periods in history. Pupils have gaps in their knowledge in some subjects. Leaders continually refine the curriculum to make sure that these gaps are addressed.

However, in some subjects, the most important knowledge that pupils learn should be defined more carefully.

Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) learn the same ambitious curriculum as their peers. Leaders have made sure that all staff are experts in teaching pupils with SEND.

These pupils receive carefully targeted support in order to master new knowledge. Pupils with SEND flourish as a result.

Reading is a high priority in this school.

The teaching of phonics is exemplary. Staff help pupils to master phonics quickly and to become fluent readers. Pupils' books are matched to the sounds that they know.

In early years, adults introduce ambitious new language. Children use this new language enthusiastically. For example, children use words such as 'mocking' and 'accelerate' as part of their exploration of 'The Gingerbread Man'.

Children rapidly develop mature speech and vocabulary. This supports children in learning to read with confidence. Throughout the school, leaders invest in carefully chosen literature.

Pupils benefit from the 'read and discover' programme, through which they explore important topics and ideas while practising their reading. Pupil librarians and staff often recommend their favourite books. This inspires pupils to read more widely.

Pupils in this school love reading.

The curriculum for mathematics is exemplary. Children in early years develop their knowledge by securing a deep understanding of number.

Children confidently link abstract numbers to concrete objects. They enjoy representing numbers in a variety of ways. In key stage 2, pupils apply these secure foundations to rapidly solve mathematical problems.

Leaders have made sure that the curriculum supports all pupils to become fluent mathematicians. Teachers address any misconceptions that pupils might have. Pupils are highly resilient when learning new concepts and correcting errors.

Leaders' work to promote pupils' personal development is exceptional. They have established a bespoke curriculum that enables pupils to talk about issues such as anxiety, mental health and equality with considerable maturity. The school provides structured opportunities for pupils to engage in debate.

Staff make sure pupils have the language to debate with confidence. In Year 6, pupils take part in a graduation programme. This helps to prepare them for their future lives.

This knowledge informs the deep respect with which pupils treat everyone around them. Pupils live out this respect by taking on leadership roles in their school. Impressive play leaders support younger pupils at breaktimes by setting up interesting games.

Others work as anti-bullying ambassadors and many support their school as members of the Earthshot eco-committee. One pupil summed up the difference this makes, saying, 'I like the feeling you get inside when you do something for others.'

Those responsible for governance are extremely knowledgeable about the school.

They check that leaders' actions impact positively on pupils. The trust provides highly effective support and professional development pathways for staff at all levels. The workload and well-being of all staff are priorities.

Staff are proud to work at this school. They are inspired by the considerable difference that their work makes to the lives of all pupils.

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 most important knowledge that pupils need to know and remember needs to be more carefully defined. Pupils have some gaps in their knowledge. The school should continue to review this knowledge as part of its continual refinement of the curriculum.