St Peter and St Paul Church of England Academy in Syston, Leicester, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on 29 and 30 March 2023. The school provides a positive environment where pupils feel safe and happy. They exhibit politeness and respect, embodying the school's core values of respect, honesty, and perseverance. Teachers maintain high expectations, encouraging active participation and engagement in lessons, which fosters good learning behaviors among students.
The school promotes kindness and acceptance among pupils, who understand that bullying and derogatory language are unacceptable. Staff are proactive in addressing any rare incidents of such behavior. Pupils demonstrate a strong desire to learn, arriving at school eager to explore new topics. The curriculum is designed to allow students to develop their talents and interests, with teachers supporting resilience in the face of challenges. This approach instills a growth mindset in pupils, who often express that they cannot do something yet, rather than stating they cannot do it at all.
Parents and carers generally hold positive views about their children's experiences at the school. The leadership team has ensured that the curriculum is ambitious and covers a wide range of subjects, allowing pupils to gain a comprehensive education. Core subjects like early reading and mathematics are particularly well-established, positively impacting pupils' learning outcomes.
Recent changes to the curriculum, such as in the art program, have broadened pupils' exposure to various artists, enhancing their understanding and appreciation of the subject. The curriculum is well-structured, allowing pupils to build on their existing knowledge effectively. Subject leaders have outlined essential knowledge that pupils need to acquire, and teachers utilize resources and activities to reinforce this knowledge.
While teachers demonstrate strong subject knowledge and employ effective questioning techniques, there are areas for improvement. In some subjects, the specific knowledge required for pupils to develop subject-specific skills is not as clearly defined, which can hinder their progress in those areas. It is essential for leaders to ensure that all teachers are aware of and teach the necessary knowledge that supports skill development across all subjects.
The school prioritizes reading, with children beginning their reading journey in the Reception Year. Teachers are skilled in early reading instruction, ensuring that pupils learn phonics effectively. This foundation enables pupils to read books that match their phonetic knowledge, fostering fluency and confidence. As pupils progress, their enthusiasm for reading grows, with exposure to diverse genres and styles.
In the early years, children receive a strong start, with carefully planned activities that promote artistic expression and vocabulary development. The curriculum prepares them well for future learning stages. Pupils exhibit exemplary behavior, with a strong emphasis on teaching appropriate conduct, which permeates the school culture.
Leaders focus on the holistic development of pupils, encouraging participation in sports and extracurricular activities. The school community benefits from various trips and residential experiences, enhancing pupils' understanding of safety and well-being. Staff well-being is prioritized, with leaders protecting them from external pressures, contributing to a positive work environment.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, with vigilant staff who report concerns promptly. Leaders maintain detailed records of safeguarding actions and collaborate with external agencies to support vulnerable pupils. The governing body actively monitors safeguarding practices, ensuring compliance with statutory responsibilities.
Overall, St Peter and St Paul Church of England Academy continues to provide a good education, with strong leadership, a supportive environment, and a commitment to the well-being and development of its pupils. However, there is a need for ongoing refinement in certain areas of the curriculum to ensure all pupils can achieve their full potential.
