Listerdale Primary Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 16 July 2024

Listerdale Junior Academy welcomes everyone. Pupils know it does not matter who you are or what your background is. The school has high ambitions for every pupil. Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) thrive in this inclusive environment. The school makes sure there is an extra-curricular club for everyone. They remove any barriers to participation. Everyone can take part in activities regardless of ability. The values of 'Listerdale Magic' (resilience, manners, pride, kindness and respect) are in evidence throughout the school. Pupils are safe in school. On the very rare occasions when bullying might occur, adults make every effort to deal with it swiftly. Pupil play leaders have a very positive impact on behaviour. During lunchtime, they organise a wide range of activities for pupils. They also offer support to pupils who need someone to talk to. The school has prioritised the improvements outlined in the previous inspection report. Pupils achieve well in reading and mathematics over time. The broader curriculum offer is also improving. Historically, sporting success and competition have been highly valued. The school is now ensuring that academic rigour has an equal footing in every pupil's education.

What the school should improve

• In some subjects, including those in the early years, teachers lack the subject knowledge to identify precisely what pupils should know and remember. This means tasks to support pupils' learning lack purpose and pupils do not progress effectively through the curriculum. The school should ensure teachers' subject knowledge is improved so they can accurately sequence what pupils will learn in lessons and build successfully on what pupils already know.
• Since the last inspection, the school has done much to improve assessment systems in all areas of the curriculum. In a few subjects, these systems are still relatively new and not yet fully effective. This means that in these subjects, teachers cannot always be sure about what pupils know and remember. The school should continue its work to secure consistent systems to check pupils' attainment and progress in every subject.

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