Reydon Primary School, located in Southwold, Suffolk, has recently undergone an inspection on February 28 and 29, 2024, and has been rated as good in overall effectiveness, quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. The head of school, Sandra Foxwell, leads the school, which is part of the Active Learning Trust. The trust is overseen by CEO Lynsey Holzer and a board of trustees chaired by Claire Heald. The executive headteacher, Martyn Payne, is responsible for this school and another institution.
Pupils at Reydon Primary School express enjoyment in their learning and demonstrate happiness within the school environment. The staff are described as caring, ensuring that pupils are well looked after. The school fosters strong relationships among its community, creating a family-like atmosphere. Behaviour among pupils is commendable, with them being polite and courteous. The school maintains a calm and purposeful environment, and pupils are motivated by a reward system that recognizes their achievements. Many students hold positions of responsibility, contributing to various committees and councils, which instills a sense of pride in their school.
Safety is a priority at Reydon Primary School, with a secure environment where pupils feel confident that there is always an adult available to assist them with any concerns. The school sets high expectations for pupil achievement, and students, including those in early years, are engaged and stimulated by the curriculum. Parents and carers are involved in their children's learning through well-supported events, and most pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, are progressing well.
The school has shown improvement in various areas following a period of instability, with effective leadership now in place. The trust and local governing body systematically monitor the impact of school leaders' actions on pupil learning and welfare. The curriculum is under constant review to ensure it meets high expectations, although some subjects require further refinement to clarify what should be taught and when. This lack of clarity can hinder the effectiveness of teaching in those areas.
Reydon Primary School has a strong early reading curriculum, with phonics instruction starting early in the educational journey. Teachers effectively deliver this curriculum, ensuring that pupils revisit previous learning to build confidence. Most pupils achieve fluency in reading by the end of Year 1. In most subjects, staff present information clearly and check for understanding, which supports secure learning.
The school effectively supports pupils with special educational needs, tailoring assistance to help them overcome learning barriers. The new behaviour policy has been positively received, with staff helping pupils manage their behaviour and cooperate with peers. The school promotes respect for different cultures and faiths, fostering tolerance and fairness among pupils.
Extracurricular activities and trips enhance pupils' learning experiences, while attendance is closely monitored, leading to improved rates. Staff training opportunities are regularly provided, contributing to a cohesive teaching team. The school maintains strong partnerships with parents, although some parents desire improved communication.
The safeguarding arrangements at Reydon Primary School are effective, ensuring the safety and well-being of all pupils. To further improve, the school should ensure that all subjects have clearly defined knowledge and teaching sequences to enhance learning consistency across the curriculum.