Queen Emma Primary School, located in Cambridge, has recently undergone an inspection that highlighted its overall effectiveness as good. The inspection took place on June 29 and 30, 2023, and assessed various aspects of the school, including the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision, all of which were rated as good. The school has maintained this level of performance since its previous inspection in 2017.
Pupils at Queen Emma Primary School express enjoyment in being part of a diverse and welcoming community. The school fosters an environment conducive to learning and friendship, where students enthusiastically discuss their learning experiences across a wide range of subjects. The high expectations set by the staff are met with positive responses from the pupils, who are encouraged to share their ideas and listen to others. Older students serve as role models and are given opportunities to take on leadership roles, contributing to a supportive atmosphere for new pupils, particularly those joining in the early years or older year groups.
The relationships between pupils and staff are characterized by respect and warmth, with pupils feeling confident that they can approach adults for help. This supportive environment is appreciated by both pupils and parents, who value the school's engagement with the wider community through events such as sports days and family picnics.
The school has made significant strides in designing a relevant and aspirational curriculum that outlines the specific knowledge pupils need to acquire across subjects. Leaders have carefully considered how knowledge builds over time, allowing pupils to revisit important concepts and skills, which enhances their learning. Daily reading opportunities are provided from the early years, with high expectations leading to secure knowledge development. Pupils are supported in their reading fluency, particularly those who require additional help.
Staff development has been prioritized, leading to high expectations for pupil achievement across all subjects. Teachers utilize precise language to focus pupils' attention on key ideas and concepts, although some newer areas of the curriculum show minor variability in teachers' subject knowledge. Leaders are actively working to address these areas to ensure consistent quality in education.
The school promotes high expectations for behavior, establishing clear routines that contribute to a cooperative learning environment. While some pupils may struggle with behavior management, effective support is in place to ensure that learning is not disrupted. The school also offers a wide range of personal development opportunities, with values integrated into the curriculum, fostering respect for cultural differences.
The governing body plays an active role in supporting school leaders and monitoring educational quality. Their involvement ensures that the school continues to improve and that pupils receive a high-quality education. Safeguarding arrangements are effective, with a strong culture of safety established within the school. Staff are well-trained and empowered to fulfill their safeguarding responsibilities, and governors maintain high expectations for safeguarding practices.
To further improve, the school needs to focus on areas of the curriculum that are still in the early stages of implementation. Enhancing teachers' confidence and subject knowledge in these areas will support all pupils in achieving their best across all subjects. Overall, Queen Emma Primary School demonstrates a commitment to providing a supportive and effective learning environment for its pupils.
