Fairfield Primary Academy is recognized as a good school, as confirmed by the recent inspection conducted on June 29 and 30, 2021. The school is located on Toton Lane in Stapleford, Nottinghamshire, and serves pupils aged four to eleven. The inspection revealed that students, parents, and staff have a positive perception of the school environment. Pupils expressed that they enjoy attending school and feel safe, with a clear understanding of bullying and confidence that staff will address any issues that arise. The school promotes good behavior, with pupils engaged in various activities during playtime, contributing to a positive atmosphere in lessons.
Parents have praised the school's remote education provision and the support provided to new pupils. Staff members are described as approachable, fostering a welcoming environment. The school encourages pupils to explore their interests beyond the classroom through roles such as curriculum champions and participation in a variety of lunchtime clubs, including chess, art, drama, and sports. This approach helps in developing well-rounded individuals.
The leadership team has established a well-designed curriculum that aims to be ambitious for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Curriculum plans outline the knowledge and skills expected in various subjects, although there are areas for improvement. Specifically, the history curriculum for key stage one does not align with the age-appropriate content, leading to challenges for younger pupils in understanding complex themes. In contrast, the mathematics curriculum is well-structured, enabling pupils to build knowledge and skills effectively.
Reading instruction begins early, with phonics teaching starting as soon as children join the school. While many pupils show enthusiasm and attentiveness during phonics sessions, some struggle with unfamiliar words due to mismatched reading materials. This indicates a need for improvement in ensuring that reading resources align with the phonics knowledge pupils have acquired.
The school promotes pupils' wider development, offering responsibilities such as reading champions and ensuring inclusivity for pupils with special educational needs. Staff provide engaging experiences, even under current restrictions, and emphasize the importance of healthy lifestyles and equality. Pupils are well-prepared for life in modern Britain, demonstrating an understanding of diversity and respect for others.
Staff feedback indicates that leaders are considerate of their workload and well-being, contributing to a positive working environment. The principal and staff have identified early reading and phonics, as well as the history curriculum, as areas for focus in future inspections.
Safeguarding measures at the school are effective, with staff confident in reporting concerns and leaders prioritizing pupil safety. The school maintains up-to-date safeguarding training and collaborates with external agencies to address local issues. Daily attendance checks ensure the safety of all pupils.
In summary, while Fairfield Primary Academy continues to be a good school, there are specific areas that require attention, particularly in the history curriculum for younger pupils and the alignment of reading materials with phonics instruction. The school’s commitment to fostering a safe and engaging learning environment is evident, and with targeted improvements, it can enhance its educational offerings further.
