Stradbroke Primary Academy is recognized as a good school, fostering a friendly community where pupils feel happy and safe. The school offers a variety of after-school activities, allowing students to engage in extracurricular pursuits. Pupils actively participate in the school community through roles such as school council members and reading ambassadors, demonstrating politeness and respect towards staff and visitors. The positive behavior observed in classrooms contributes to a conducive learning environment, supported by high expectations set by school leaders. Clear routines are established, promoting a calm atmosphere that facilitates effective learning.
While most pupils make progress, some struggle to retain key information, indicating a need for improvement in learning strategies. The school prioritizes reading, particularly in the early years and key stage one, achieving a high standard in phonics. However, older pupils do not consistently demonstrate strong progress in key stage two. Leaders are ambitious for all students, but gaps in knowledge are not always identified promptly, hindering the ability to build on prior learning.
The school environment is generally calm, with low-level disruptions reported infrequently. Leaders are proactive in addressing behavioral issues, ensuring that any disruptions do not significantly impact learning. The rewards system effectively promotes positive behavior, and teachers maintain strong relationships with students, fostering trust and support.
Stradbroke Primary Academy excels in supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities. Leaders have clear plans in place, regularly reviewing and adjusting support to ensure accessibility to the curriculum. The school provides tailored support for pupils transitioning to secondary education, ensuring a smooth transition.
Enrichment activities are abundant, with a wide range of options available for pupils, including sports and cultural events. Most students participate in at least one activity weekly, contributing to their broader development. Leadership opportunities, such as the school council and eco-warriors, allow pupils to positively influence the school ethos.
The leadership team is effective, benefiting from additional support for school improvement. Staff feel valued, and leaders consider workload when planning assessments. The safeguarding arrangements are robust, with pupils feeling safe and knowledgeable about reporting concerns. Staff are well-trained in safeguarding practices, ensuring a culture of safety within the school.
Despite the positive aspects, the school must address the retention of knowledge among pupils to enhance overall progress. Strategies for identifying and addressing knowledge gaps need to be more consistently effective. Leaders should ensure that the curriculum specifies essential knowledge for pupils and implement strategies to support retention.
This inspection marks the first routine evaluation since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, with the inspector considering its impact on the school. The inspection involved discussions with leaders, staff, and pupils, as well as a review of various documents related to school policies and improvement plans. The school has a high proportion of pupils eligible for pupil premium funding, reflecting its commitment to supporting disadvantaged students.
Overall, Stradbroke Primary Academy continues to provide a supportive and enriching environment for its pupils, with areas identified for improvement to enhance learning outcomes further. The school remains dedicated to fostering a positive educational experience for all students, ensuring they are well-prepared for their future endeavors.
