Ecton Village Primary School

Overview

Pupils are proud to attend this academy, describing it as a ‘big family’ where they feel happy and safe. The school has improved significantly since its previous inspection, with leaders acting swiftly to strengthen the curriculum and support staff. Inspectors found that learning is calm, behaviour is good, and pupils are well-prepared for their next stage of education.

Strengths

• The curriculum is ‘ambitious’ with clearly identified knowledge, allowing pupils to ‘revisit prior learning’ and demonstrate impressive recall.
• Teachers possess strong subject knowledge, provide clear explanations, and quickly identify misconceptions, such as using prisms in science lessons.
• Phonics is taught consistently by well-trained staff, creating a ‘reading school’ culture where pupils are ‘motivated readers’.
• Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities receive ‘effective and caring support’, with teachers skilfully adapting lessons to ensure access to the same curriculum as peers.
• The early years environment is ‘purposeful’ with accessible resources, and adults work skilfully to extend children’s vocabulary and thinking.

Areas to improve

• The curriculum in a minority of subjects is relatively new; leaders must ensure it is fully embedded and meets all pupils’ learning needs through further monitoring.
• Attendance remains a priority, as some pupils do not attend school as often as they should, missing out on a good quality of education.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with a ‘palpable culture of care’ where staff are vigilant, well trained, and confident to flag any ‘nagging doubts’.