The Shade Primary School, located in Soham, Ely, Cambridgeshire, has recently undergone an inspection on 15 and 16 October 2024. The school has been rated as good across all key areas, including the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. The headteacher, Jane Segust, leads the school, which is part of the Staploe Education Trust, overseen by CEO Carin Taylor and chaired by Simon Wright.
The school environment is described as happy and safe, with pupils embodying the school’s values and demonstrating respect towards peers and adults. This positive atmosphere fosters trust between pupils and staff, encouraging a reflective and engaged learning approach. Pupils receive effective support for their well-being, particularly those with special educational needs and disabilities. They exhibit good behaviour, focus during lessons, and engage positively during break times. The school has high expectations for learning, which is reflected in pupils' pride in their work and their enthusiasm for subjects like science.
The curriculum at The Shade Primary School is ambitious and well-structured, allowing pupils to build on their prior knowledge effectively. Subject leaders ensure that new content is introduced in a logical manner, enabling pupils to develop their skills confidently. For instance, younger pupils learn to write well-formed letters, while older pupils engage in more complex grammatical analysis. However, there was a noted decline in key stage two national test results in 2024, particularly in writing. In response, the school has revised its writing curriculum to provide a more robust programme that addresses these challenges.
Teaching methods are generally consistent, aiding pupils in retaining previously learned content. Teachers employ effective questioning techniques to help pupils make connections across different subjects. In the early years, learning through play is emphasized, and teachers are attentive to children's developmental needs. However, there are instances where the choice of learning activities may not fully engage all pupils, leading to varying levels of understanding and engagement.
The school promotes a strong reading culture, starting from the early years, where children develop a love for books. Phonics instruction is engaging and effective, ensuring that pupils who require additional support become fluent readers. The school also encourages older pupils to explore texts that interest them, fostering a lifelong love of reading.
Pupils with special educational needs are well-supported, with the school actively listening to families and accurately identifying needs. The school adapts its curriculum delivery to meet these needs, providing high-quality learning opportunities outside the classroom. However, there are occasions when this support is not as well integrated with the main curriculum, which can affect the overall effectiveness of the learning experience for some pupils.
Behaviour management strategies are effective, with a focus on addressing the root causes of inappropriate behaviour and absence. The school has seen a reduction in incidents of misbehaviour and maintains appropriate attendance levels. The personal development programme is coherent, covering important issues such as different family structures and democracy, although there are opportunities for deeper discussions that could enhance pupils' understanding.
Leadership at The Shade Primary School is strong, with leaders and trustees aware of the school's strengths and areas for improvement. The trust provides valuable support, helping the school enhance its curriculum and staff training. Overall, the school demonstrates a commitment to continuous improvement and the well-being of its pupils, creating a positive and effective learning environment.
