Orchard Primary Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 15 June 2022

Pupils are happy and they feel safe at Orchard Primary Academy. Relationships are built on mutual respect. Pupils understand that they are expected to work hard and uphold the school's rules of 'respect, resilience and aspiration'. One pupil said, 'Teachers tell you to be who you are.' Pupils behave well and are polite. They are engaged in their lessons. This is because they are interested in their learning. Pupils are keen to share ideas and opinions. This helps them to build on each other's ideas and to learn successfully. Pupils say that instances of bullying are rare, but when it does happen, they know staff will sort it out. Staff share leaders' vision for each child. They want all pupils to reach their potential in each of the curriculum subjects. Meaningful experiences, such as visits and visitors, bring subjects alive. As pupils move through the school, there are a wealth of opportunities to take part in, such as theme days, mindfulness activities, music lessons, after-school clubs and sporting events. Pupils are encouraged to become responsible citizens. They take on different roles and responsibilities such as play leaders, sports leaders and student council members. These give pupils the opportunity to develop their leadership skills.

What the school should improve

• Leaders have introduced a new phonics programme. Teaching assistants have received training in the teaching of phonics. However, this is relatively new and as a result, some phonics sessions lack the pace of others. Leaders should make sure that they complete their planned training programme so that all pupils benefit from phonics teaching that is as good as the best.
• Subject leaders have monitored the changes they have made to the curriculum. However, this has not yet had an impact on what some pupils know and remember. Leaders need to continue to support subject leaders new to their role to monitor the implementation of the changes they have made and check the impact these are having on enabling pupils to learn more and remember more.
• Although pupils learn about different faiths and cultures, pupils move on to new ideas before grasping previous knowledge. As a result, a small number of pupils do not have a detailed knowledge of different religions. Leaders must ensure that all pupils have a good knowledge and understanding of different religions and cultures.

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