Churchend Primary Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 6 December 2022

Leaders have high expectations of what pupils can achieve and how pupils should behave. The school mission, 'be the best version of yourself' permeates through all aspects of school life. Churchend is full of smiling pupils who try their best, aim high and behave well. Leaders have created an inclusive school where everyone is welcome. Pupils show great respect to each other and value difference. A recent Diwali celebration day saw parents teaching the school community about their traditions. Pupils love to learn about the many different faiths and cultures at their school and beyond. Behaviour in lessons is calm. Adults deal with any low-level disruption swiftly. Some pupils have significant social and emotional mental health needs. These pupils access high-quality support through a nurture provision. Pastoral support is strong. Staff support pupils well to understand and regulate their emotions. Bullying is rare and leaders deal with it immediately if it occurs. The school council takes a lead in making sure pupils understand what bullying is. This is very successful. Pupils know about the different types of bullying and to tell adults if they see bullying happening. Correctly, pupils and parents have faith in leaders to sort any issues out.

What the school should improve

• In some foundation subjects, and in the early years, the curriculum is new. Some teachers do not have sufficient subject knowledge to consistently teach these subjects well. Senior leaders should ensure that all subject leaders have the skills to best support their colleagues so that the curriculum is consistently well delivered, including in the early years.
• Leaders have not fully embedded procedures for checking what pupils know and remember across foundation subjects. This means that teachers do not always recognise when pupils have gaps in their knowledge. Leaders should continue to make sure that teachers know how to check what pupils know and remember, so they can best plan subsequent learning.
• Despite leaders' actions, some pupils are too often absent from school. As a result, these pupils are missing out on their learning and their progress is hindered. Leaders should continue to work with these pupils and their families to improve attendance.

Read the full Ofsted report (opens in a new tab)