Poppyfield Primary Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 6 February 2024

Poppyfield Primary Academy is a school at the heart of the community. Pupils arrive happily every day because dedicated and caring staff ensure that they feel safe in school, feel cared for and that learning is an enjoyable experience. This starts in the early years, where children settle quickly and get off to an exceptional start with their education. A typical comment from parents and carers is that they 'couldn't ask for more'. It reflects the high regard they have for the school. Pupils' behaviour is impeccable. They treat each other routinely with respect and kindness. Behaviour in lessons is exemplary. No pupil is distracted from learning, and they show excellent levels of interest and engagement in all they do. The school has high ambitions that all pupils achieve as well as they can. This is realised very well in many subjects. 'Challenge packs' ignite an interest in learning and pupils talk confidently and articulately about all they know. The school has introduced innovative and varied ways for pupils to engage with the local community. Pupils understand they can make a difference. Their voices are always listened to. The school does all it can to develop active, interested and responsible citizens of the future.

What the school should improve

• The school has not ensured that assessment is used well enough in a small number of foundation subjects. This means it is not clear if pupils have understood the planned curriculum. The school should ensure that each subject has clearly defined expectations of attainment so pupils' understanding can be assessed effectively.
• For some pupils with SEND, the school has not ensured that adaptations in teaching are effective enough. This means pupils do not progress as well as they might. The school should ensure that all lessons are adapted effectively so pupils can achieve the individual targets they are working towards.

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