Queen’s Church of England Academy, located in Nuneaton, Warwickshire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on November 9 and 10, 2021. The school is characterized by a friendly and welcoming atmosphere where pupils feel safe and happy. The strong Christian ethos permeates all aspects of school life, contributing to a calm and orderly environment. Pupils demonstrate good behavior both in lessons and during break times, showing respect for one another and actively listening to their peers.
The school has effectively addressed the issue of bullying, with pupils reporting that it occurs rarely, thanks to the proactive approach of staff in resolving conflicts early. Parents and carers express positive sentiments about the school, appreciating the efforts of leaders and staff in fostering a nurturing environment for their children. The school is committed to supporting all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they feel included and valued.
Leaders have developed a curriculum tailored to the needs of the local community and aligned with the school’s values. The vision of “Love in Action” aims to promote happiness, safety, and effective learning among pupils. The curriculum planning is generally effective, supporting pupils’ achievements across various subjects. Subject leaders collaborate with teachers to ensure that the knowledge and skills pupils need to learn are clearly defined. Pupils are able to recall past learning in detail, demonstrating a solid understanding of subjects like history.
However, there are instances where essential knowledge intended for pupils is not effectively communicated, as some teachers prioritize making lessons engaging over focusing on core content. This can hinder the progression of pupils’ learning, as it may not build on their existing knowledge. Despite this, pupils enjoy reading, with the school placing significant emphasis on reading within the curriculum. Daily reading lessons enhance pupils’ understanding and engagement with texts, and phonics instruction is consistently well delivered.
The mathematics curriculum is well-structured, providing pupils with ample opportunities to practice and recall important concepts, which boosts their confidence and fluency in the subject. Leaders have implemented new assessment methods to monitor pupils’ learning across the curriculum, addressing gaps identified due to the pandemic. Most pupils are making strong progress in reading, mathematics, and other subjects.
The school has effective systems in place to identify and support pupils with special educational needs. Leaders ensure that the curriculum is broad and ambitious for these pupils, collaborating with external agencies to facilitate their success. However, attendance remains a challenge for some pupils with special educational needs and disadvantaged backgrounds, which can impact their learning experience.
Governors actively support the curriculum changes and hold leaders accountable for various aspects of the school. However, they need a clearer understanding of the curriculum's impact beyond English and mathematics. The school emphasizes personal development through its Christian ethos, providing diverse opportunities for pupils to learn about different beliefs and develop their talents through extracurricular activities.
Staff report meaningful engagement with leaders, who prioritize their well-being and have successfully reduced workload pressures. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with staff trained to recognize and address potential risks to pupils. Leaders foster a culture where pupils feel safe to express concerns, and they work closely with external agencies to ensure pupils receive necessary support.
In summary, Queen’s Church of England Academy is a good school that prioritizes the well-being and academic success of its pupils. While there are areas for improvement, particularly in ensuring that core knowledge is effectively taught and addressing attendance issues for disadvantaged pupils, the school demonstrates a strong commitment to creating a supportive and enriching educational environment.
