Poppyfield Primary Academy

Overview

Poppyfield Primary Academy is described as a school “at the heart of the community” where pupils arrive happily and feel safe. The report highlights “impeccable” behaviour and an “exceptional start” to education in the early years, with staff ensuring learning is an “enjoyable experience”.

Strengths

• Pupils display “impeccable” behaviour, treating each other with “respect and kindness” and showing “excellent levels of interest and engagement”.
• Early years provision is praised for fostering “perseverance, independence and cooperation”, with a strong focus on developing communication and language.
• “Expert teaching of phonics” ensures pupils quickly acquire early reading skills, with targeted support for those at risk of falling behind.
• Pupils are taught “exceptionally well” about respecting differences and contribute meaningfully to the local community through activities like planting trees and supporting charities.
• Leadership is characterised by “passion and dedication”, with staff feeling “valued and cared for” by the trust and academy council.

Areas to improve

• The school must ensure assessment is used effectively in a small number of foundation subjects, establishing “clearly defined expectations of attainment” so staff can verify pupil understanding.
• Teaching adaptations for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) require improvement to ensure all lessons are adapted effectively so pupils can achieve their individual targets.

Safeguarding

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