Canon Pyon CofE Academy, located in Hereford, Herefordshire, was inspected on 23 and 24 May 2023. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as good, with outstanding ratings in behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. The school has a strong sense of community, characterized by positive relationships among pupils and staff. Pupils express happiness in their school environment, demonstrating mutual support and care for one another. Instances of poor behaviour are rare, and when issues arise, staff address them calmly and effectively, fostering a safe and nurturing atmosphere.
The leadership team has high expectations for all pupils and has developed a curriculum that promotes academic achievement. Pupils generally understand their learning objectives, which contributes to their positive attitudes towards education. Reading is particularly emphasized, with pupils enjoying numerous opportunities to engage with texts, both independently and with adults. The focus on literacy and numeracy is evident, allowing pupils to develop these essential skills effectively.
Personal development is a key priority for the school, with leaders placing significant emphasis on teaching fundamental British values, equality, and diversity. Pupils actively participate in organizing sports activities and collective worship through initiatives like the school leaders and warriors of worship. The school promotes a culture of respect and encourages pupils to articulate their understanding of healthy relationships and the importance of valuing diverse perspectives.
While the school excels in many areas, there are opportunities for improvement, particularly in key stage one. Some pupils in this stage struggle to fully grasp their learning objectives, which can lead to gaps in knowledge. Leaders are encouraged to ensure that teachers consistently check for understanding among key stage one pupils, enabling them to recall and build upon their learning effectively.
The school is proactive in identifying pupils who may require additional support, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. All pupils follow the same curriculum, and teachers utilize tailored strategies to ensure that every child can access learning. The phonics program is well-structured, allowing pupils to learn sounds in a logical sequence, which supports their reading development.
Attendance is another area where the school is making strides. Leaders communicate the importance of regular attendance to pupils and parents, fostering a culture where pupils understand the necessity of being present at school. This effort is contributing to improved attendance rates.
The school’s values, encapsulated in the acronym TREES, are integral to the school culture and are reflected in pupils' daily lives. Pupils engage in various extracurricular activities, including sports, music, and mindfulness clubs, and they appreciate educational trips that enhance their learning experiences.
The leadership team is well-informed about the school’s strengths and areas for development. They act swiftly to address any shortcomings and are mindful of staff workload, which is positively received by the teaching staff. The governing body is actively involved in holding leaders accountable for their decisions and ensuring the school meets its high standards.
Safeguarding measures are effective, with staff trained to recognize signs of potential harm. The curriculum includes lessons on safety, including online safety, ensuring pupils are well-equipped to navigate various situations. Overall, Canon Pyon CofE Academy demonstrates a commitment to providing a supportive and enriching educational environment for all its pupils.
