Greenfield E-ACT Primary Academy, located in Knowle West, Bristol, has recently undergone an inspection on 15 and 16 October 2024. The school has received commendable ratings across various categories, including good for the quality of education and personal development, and outstanding for behaviour and attitudes, leadership and management, and early years provision. The headteacher, Fiona Chapman, leads the school, which is part of the E-ACT academy trust, overseen by CEO Tom Campbell and chaired by Lord Jim Knight.
The school is characterized by a warm and respectful environment where pupils feel a strong sense of belonging. The inclusive nature of the school ensures that all students, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, are supported in their learning journey. Leaders at the school are dedicated to fostering an atmosphere of high expectations, encouraging pupils to strive for success. The established culture promotes high standards in both learning and behaviour, which pupils readily embrace.
Pupils exhibit exemplary behaviour, demonstrating eagerness and independence in their learning. They are encouraged to persevere when faced with challenges, utilizing available resources to aid their understanding before seeking assistance. This approach fosters a sense of responsibility and self-reliance among students. The school prioritizes the safety and well-being of its pupils, ensuring they know how to report any concerns and understand the importance of healthy relationships.
The curriculum at Greenfield E-ACT Primary Academy is broad, ambitious, and well-structured, effectively building on prior knowledge to prepare pupils for future learning. The teaching staff is skilled in introducing new concepts clearly and checking for understanding, which helps to address any misconceptions. However, some pupils struggle to recall knowledge from previous terms or years, which can hinder their ability to connect new information with what they have learned before. For instance, difficulties in recalling properties of 2D shapes can affect their understanding of 3D shapes in mathematics.
In the early years, children make significant progress through engaging activities that reinforce their learning. The focus on communication and language development is particularly important, as many children enter school with limited skills in these areas. The school employs effective phonics instruction, ensuring that pupils are matched with reading materials that align with their phonetic knowledge. This approach allows for timely intervention for those who may be falling behind, enabling them to catch up quickly.
The school is committed to maintaining good attendance and works closely with families to achieve this goal. Initiatives such as a breakfast club provide a calm start to the day, while an exciting curriculum and extracurricular activities motivate pupils to attend regularly. The personal development curriculum emphasizes the importance of values, with pupils actively engaging in social action projects that foster empathy and understanding of their community.
Overall, the leadership at Greenfield E-ACT Primary Academy is focused on ensuring that all pupils receive a high-quality education. Regular reviews of the school's practices help maintain this standard, and staff members appreciate the professional development opportunities provided. The school is dedicated to creating a positive learning environment where every pupil can thrive and succeed. The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, ensuring that pupils' welfare is prioritized. The school is encouraged to enhance its teaching strategies to help pupils better connect and retain knowledge across subjects, thereby improving their overall learning experience.
