Shaftoe Trust Academy

Overview

Shaftoe Trust Academy is a primary school where pupils are described as “welcoming, kind and embrace difference,” creating an environment where “there’s a space for everyone.” The inspection highlights “exceptional” behaviour and attitudes, with pupils feeling safe and confident in sharing their views. Leaders maintain high ambitions, ensuring that even the youngest children get off to a “flying start” in their learning.

Strengths

• Pupils’ “behaviours and attitudes are exemplary,” with bullying reported as non-existent and high attendance rates.
• The school is a “‘reading school’” where teachers deliver phonics “expertly,” resulting in high reading standards.
• The early years curriculum is “exceptional,” allowing children to practise skills independently and show pride in their learning.
• Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities are “supported well” to access the same curriculum as their peers.
• Personal development is strong, with pupils developing “mature viewpoints” and being “exceptionally well prepared for life outside of school.”

Areas to improve

• Leaders should review assessment systems in foundation subjects so teachers know precisely what pupils remember to plan clear next steps.
• Leaders should revise curriculum planning to fully sequence knowledge and skills, ensuring clear expectations for pupils in mixed-age classes.

Safeguarding

The report states that “the arrangements for safeguarding are effective,” noting that a culture of safeguarding pervades the school and staff understand the signs indicating when a child may need extra support.