The Priory Catholic Voluntary Academy, located in Eastwood, Nottinghamshire, has been rated as good in its recent inspection. The school demonstrates a strong commitment to providing a quality education, with enthusiastic learners who are confident and eager to engage in discussions about their learning. Teachers are dedicated to ensuring that pupils achieve well across all subjects, fostering connections between new knowledge and prior learning. For instance, Year 4 pupils explored Viking law and order, drawing comparisons with Anglo-Saxon punishments, showcasing their ability to engage critically with historical content.
The curriculum is thoughtfully designed around the school's 'we care' learning characteristics, which emphasize collaboration, enthusiasm, creativity, ambition, reflection, and inquiry. This approach encourages pupils to empathize with others and engage with moral discussions, particularly through the school's 'statements to live by.' The behavior of pupils is commendable; they are polite, well-mannered, and respectful of each other's differences. Incidents of bullying are rare, and pupils feel safe, knowing that staff are responsive to any behavioral issues.
Leaders at the school aim to provide a broad knowledge base that helps pupils discover their talents. The curriculum is well-structured, allowing pupils to build on their previous learning effectively. In phonics, a consistent lesson structure has been established, enabling pupils to remember sounds and apply them in reading and writing. Teachers are passionate about instilling a love of reading, often reading to pupils with enthusiasm that captivates their attention.
However, some challenges remain. Due to previous weaker teaching, some pupils in key stage two struggle with reading proficiency. The school has implemented a program to support these pupils, but a few still lag behind their peers. In mathematics, while the curriculum builds on prior knowledge, there are instances where teachers do not assess pupils' readiness for more challenging tasks quickly enough.
Teachers employ creative methods to enhance learning, making connections between subjects when appropriate. For example, during a lesson on the Great Fire of London, pupils learned about the role of oxygen in fire dynamics. In design and technology, pupils effectively used vocabulary relevant to their projects, demonstrating their understanding of concepts.
The school adapts its curriculum to meet the needs of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring that all pupils have the opportunity to succeed. However, there are instances where some pupils do not receive the same ambitious curriculum as their peers, which can hinder their potential.
In the early years, staff work collaboratively to plan learning objectives, helping children acquire essential knowledge for their transition to key stage one. Children display curiosity and engage well in play, indicating a positive learning environment.
Pupils are encouraged to view mistakes as learning opportunities, and they show respect for diverse faiths and cultures. The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities, such as eco club and meditation, fostering a well-rounded educational experience. Leaders are attentive to staff well-being, making adjustments to reduce unnecessary workloads.
The safeguarding measures in place are effective, with staff trained to recognize potential dangers and respond appropriately. However, the organization of safeguarding records could be improved to ensure that information is easily accessible for review.
To enhance the school's effectiveness, leaders must improve the organization of behavior and safeguarding records, ensure equal access to the curriculum for all pupils, and provide targeted support for those struggling with reading. Additionally, teachers should be encouraged to recognize when to adapt the curriculum to challenge pupils appropriately. Overall, The Priory Catholic Voluntary Academy is a commendable institution with a strong foundation for continued improvement.
