Holy Trinity Church of England Primary Academy and Nursery

Overview

Pupils are described as “happy, confident, and kind,” thriving in a “calm and supportive” environment where the value of ‘hope’ is central. The school delivers an “ambitious and engaging curriculum” with a strong focus on reading, ensuring most pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, achieve well. Leaders maintain a “strong understanding” of school performance through regular checks, fostering a positive culture for staff and pupils alike.

Strengths

• Pupils are “keen to do well” and demonstrate good behaviour, listening to staff and taking on responsibilities such as acting as “reading buddies.”
• The curriculum is well-sequenced, with teachers effectively spotting when pupils are “stuck or have misunderstood something” and providing timely help.
• Nearly all pupils become “confident readers” due to high-quality phonics lessons and timely support for those at risk of falling behind.
• Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities are identified early and receive “carefully planned adaptations” to learn the same curriculum as their peers.
• Leaders prioritise personal development, helping pupils become “confident and resilient learners” through exposure to different cultures and community skills.

Areas to improve

• Teachers’ explanations, particularly in key stage 1, are “not always clear,” which slows pupils’ learning; leaders must ensure staff have the support to implement the curriculum well.
• Adults’ expectations of what children in the early years can achieve are occasionally “too low,” meaning some children are not well prepared for aspects of the Year 1 curriculum.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.