Christ Church CofE Primary and Nursery Academy

Overview

Christ Church CofE Primary and Nursery Academy has “taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at the previous inspection.” The report describes a “welcoming, vibrant school” where pupils feel “valued and cared for” and are confident that their views matter. Leaders have ensured that expectations are high, resulting in an orderly environment where good behaviour is the norm.

Strengths

• The school has developed an “ambitious, well-structured curriculum” where pupils build knowledge in “clearly laid-out steps” from early years to Year 6.
• Staff possess “strong subject knowledge” and check understanding regularly to address gaps, ensuring pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) can access the curriculum.
• Personal development is a “sharp and highly effective focus,” with pupils demonstrating “respect and tolerance” and developing a strong sense of belonging.
• Attendance is prioritised through close partnership with parents, resulting in “more pupils being in school more often.”
• Safeguarding arrangements are “effective,” with an open culture that puts pupils’ interests first.

Areas to improve

• The school must prioritise closing gaps in phonics for Key Stage 2 pupils who have not mastered it, ensuring they can “apply and connect their phonics learning to their work in class.”
• Leaders should ensure the approach to teaching spelling helps pupils “develop, transfer and retain their knowledge effectively,” as some currently make incorrect or haphazard choices.

Safeguarding

The report states that “the arrangements for safeguarding are effective.”