Uphill Village Academy

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils are rightly proud to attend Uphill Village Academy. They take full advantage of the opportunities they have to contribute to their school and local community. Pupils develop a deep understanding of the world around them through participating in projects.

For example, about plastic pollution and becoming kindness ambassadors, ensuring the school is respectful and welcoming. One parent describing the school like 'an extended family' expressed the typical views of many parents and carers.

The school has high expectations of all pupils.

The curriculum is exceptionally well designed, which means pupils successfully build their knowledge over time. As a resu...lt, pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and those who are disadvantaged achieve well. Pupils enjoy talking about their learning and have the vocabulary and oracy skills to do so.

Children in the early years foundation stage (EYFS) thrive. They get off to a strong start, settling quickly into the school's routines.

Pupils' behaviour is exemplary.

They are polite and thoughtful to one another, to staff and visitors. Pupils feel a keen sense of belonging. Many take on positions of responsibility.

These pupils are wonderful representatives for their school and role models for younger pupils.

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

The trust has supported the school to identify precisely what pupils need to learn at every stage and in every subject. It provides a range of opportunities for staff at all levels to develop their subject expertise.

As a result, staff have excellent subject knowledge and understand how to deliver the curriculum so that pupils remember what they learn.

Pupils enjoy their learning. The curriculum is enriched with visits and experiences.

Many pupils make meaningful links within and between their subjects. The school's approach to teaching vocabulary and oral skills is highly effective. For instance, pupils are able to discuss and debate, building on one another's ideas and deepening their own understanding.

Pupils across the school produce high quality work. They are well-prepared for the next stage of their education. Children in Reception enjoy their learning in all areas, including early reading and mathematics.

They quickly learn to use their new knowledge in play-based activities.

Teachers present information clearly and check that pupils have understood before moving on, including pupils with SEND. These pupils are well-supported with the help of additional adults, when appropriate.

The trust and academy councillors maintain a sharp focus on ensuring all pupils access the school's curriculum. Where outcomes in subject areas have shown some variation, the school is supported to take prompt action and adapt the curriculum appropriately.

Reading underpins much of the school's curriculum.

Children in Reception start learning phonics as soon as they begin school. They quickly start to match letters to the sounds they make. The reading curriculum for older pupils exposes them to a range of texts.

The school has effective systems in place to ensure that pupils who have fallen behind are supported effectively to catch up. The vast majority of pupils read for pleasure, motivated in part by awards and celebrations. Children in the EYFS learn familiar stories in detail inside-out.

This supports their learning in other areas. For example, after reading The Three Little Pigs, children learn about the properties of different materials by building houses from bricks and straws. Books for older children provide them opportunities to learn about equality and diversity.

Incidents of low-level disruption and bullying are extremely rare. Pupils have a deep respect for one another and demonstrate high levels of self-control. However, on the rare occasion that pupils' behaviour does not meet the schools' expectations, it responds fairly.

The school knows every pupil well and works effectively with families to support them when needed. Children in the EYFS learn to listen, take turns and work together to solve problems. As a result, pupils feel happy, safe and well-cared for.

The school's vision of 'Learning Without Limits' is achieved through the way its academic curriculum and focus on character development complement one another. Governors effectively support the school to ensure this vision is fully realised. All pupils enjoy learning about other cultures and religions, different kinds of families and topical issues.

They develop a strong understanding of the protected characteristics and how to treat people fairly. Pupils are active citizens, contributing to the way the school runs and representing their school in charity and sports events. Many of them take part in extra-curricular clubs and activities, including art, music and sports.

Pupils have a strong understanding about how to keep themselves safe, including when online. They are well-prepared for life in modern Britain.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.