Denaby Main Primary Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 11 July 2023

This is an inclusive school where all are welcome. Parents and staff are positive about their school community and the changes that new leaders have made. Leaders have designed a curriculum that is ambitious and tailored to pupils' needs. Pupils understand the behaviour policy that helps to create a calm learning environment. They believe that this system is fair and that it helps them to manage their behaviour. This starts in early years where children learn how to manage their feelings and how to share with one another. Bullying is not tolerated. Pupils say that if it happens, they know who to talk to and that adults sort it out. Pupils feel safe in school. They are learning to make positive behaviour choices. However, sometimes pupils can talk over each other. Pupils are given opportunities to 'be the best they can be' and to be proud of what they can achieve. They know the school values of tenacity, scholarship, ambition, empathy and aspiration. Pupils look forward to getting their photograph onto the class recognition board to show how they have demonstrated these values. Pupils contribute to weekly 'class conference sessions', where they discuss current school issues and agree suggestions for the school council. Pupils show a strong understanding of democracy and can explain what this is like in action.

What the school should improve

• Teaching in some foundation subjects is variable. This means that all pupils do not achieve the aims and ambitions of the planned curriculum. Leaders should provide support to further develop teachers' subject knowledge and expertise.
• On occasion, some pupils struggle to manage their behaviour when they are not directly supervised. This means that they conduct themselves without consideration of others. Leaders need to work to help pupils manage their behaviour, so that they can play and work well together in all contexts.

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