Anglesey Primary Academy, located in Burton-on-Trent, Staffordshire, has been recognized for its overall effectiveness as a good school following an inspection conducted from December 3 to 4, 2019. The school has demonstrated a commitment to providing a high-quality education, with leaders and teachers maintaining high expectations for all pupils. The quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision have all been rated as good.
Pupils at Anglesey Primary Academy express happiness and a sense of safety within the school environment. They feel well cared for by the staff and are encouraged to support one another, fostering a positive community spirit. The school emphasizes the importance of safety, particularly in relation to internet use, ensuring that pupils are educated on how to protect themselves. The supportive atmosphere is reflected in the pupils' willingness to help each other during challenging times.
The leadership team has made significant strides in improving educational quality. The curriculum is well-structured, allowing pupils to build on their knowledge and skills effectively. For instance, in music, pupils learn about various percussion instruments and progress to playing more complex rhythms. However, some subjects, such as history, require further organization to enhance the learning experience. Leaders are actively working to address these areas.
Reading is prioritized at Anglesey Primary Academy, with effective phonics teaching that builds on pupils' existing knowledge. Teachers are adept at identifying pupils who may be falling behind and provide additional support to help them catch up. Pupils are encouraged to read books that match their reading abilities, and they have access to a well-stocked school library for pleasure reading. The school promotes discussions around new vocabulary and comprehension, which enriches the pupils' learning experience.
Behavior in the school is commendable, with pupils demonstrating respect towards each other and staff. Incidents of bullying are reported to be rare, and when they do occur, staff are quick to address them. The school has seen improvements in attendance, although there remains a need to further reduce the number of pupils who are regularly absent.
The school’s aims focus on fostering confidence, resilience, and independence among pupils. Personal development is well-supported, with opportunities for pupils to engage in various extracurricular activities, including clubs that range from archery to music and drama. The school council, comprised of elected pupils, plays an active role in suggesting improvements and initiatives, reflecting the school’s commitment to involving pupils in decision-making processes.
In the early years, children are provided with a strong foundation for their education. They engage well with each other and exhibit good behavior. The curriculum is designed to support their learning effectively, and early reading skills are taught with a focus on enjoyment and engagement. Parents collaborate with teachers to ensure a smooth transition for children starting school.
The school has established positive relationships between staff and parents, which further enhances the learning environment. Governors actively monitor the school's progress and support leaders in their efforts to improve educational standards. The collaboration between school leaders and the multi-academy trust has led to significant improvements in teaching quality, with training provided to address any concerns regarding workload.
Safeguarding measures at Anglesey Primary Academy are robust, with all staff receiving up-to-date training. The designated safeguarding leader ensures that vulnerable pupils receive appropriate support. Pupils are educated on how to stay safe, particularly in relation to online activities.
While the school has made commendable progress, there are areas for improvement. Leaders are encouraged to ensure that curriculum plans for all subjects are effectively sequenced and developed. Additionally, ongoing efforts are needed to further reduce the number of pupils who are regularly absent from school. Overall, Anglesey Primary Academy is a thriving educational institution where pupils are supported to achieve their best in a safe and nurturing environment.
