St Loys Church of England Primary Academy, located in Weedon Lois, Northamptonshire, was inspected by Ofsted on November 16 and 17, 2021. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as good, with specific areas such as behaviour and attitudes receiving an outstanding rating. The quality of education, personal development, leadership, and management, as well as early years provision, were all rated good. This inspection marked the first routine evaluation since the school transitioned to academy status, following a previous outstanding judgment when it was still a primary school.
Pupils at St Loys express a strong sense of belonging and enjoyment in their school environment, describing it as a caring community akin to a large family. They demonstrate high levels of concentration during lessons and feel secure, knowing that staff are readily available to address any concerns. The school promotes a culture of high expectations, with staff actively supporting pupils' well-being and fostering an inclusive atmosphere centered around six core values. Pupils are motivated and contribute significantly to school life, exhibiting outstanding behaviour characterized by respect and politeness. They have a clear understanding of equality and are adept at listening to others, reinforcing a culture of acceptance.
Parents and carers overwhelmingly support the school, appreciating the nurturing environment that fosters self-worth in children. They commend the approachability of staff and their ability to engage students in learning effectively. The school is currently reviewing its curriculum plans, having developed a strong curriculum in certain subjects. However, areas such as science, computing, and history are still in the early stages of development, with leaders needing to clarify the essential knowledge pupils should acquire.
Reading is prioritized, with a robust phonics program in place from the start of a pupil's journey at the school. Staff regularly assess pupils' phonics knowledge and provide timely support for those who may fall behind. The mathematics curriculum is well-structured, allowing pupils to build their understanding progressively. Teachers utilize various resources to enhance learning, ensuring that pupils can articulate their mathematical reasoning effectively.
The early years environment is engaging, with excellent relationships between children and adults. Leaders emphasize communication and language development, aligning early learning with future educational experiences. While teachers demonstrate strong subject knowledge and regularly check understanding in core areas, there is a need for a more consistent approach to assessment across all subjects.
The school effectively identifies and supports pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they have access to the full curriculum. The personal development initiatives are of high quality, fostering a respectful culture where pupils take on leadership roles such as house captains and school councillors. They engage in activities that promote understanding of British values, although there is room for improvement in their knowledge of different faiths.
Governance is strong, with representatives from the multi-academy trust and governors actively supporting and holding school leaders accountable. They understand their responsibilities and work collaboratively to enhance the curriculum. Staff express high levels of satisfaction with school leadership, which prioritizes professional development while considering workload.
Safeguarding measures are effective, with a curriculum that educates pupils on safety, including online safety. Leaders maintain strong relationships with families and ensure staff are trained to recognize and respond to safeguarding concerns. Overall, while the school demonstrates many strengths, it must continue to refine its curriculum planning and assessment practices to ensure all subjects are well-defined and sequenced for optimal pupil learning.
