Sidney Stringer Primary Academy, located in Coventry, West Midlands, has been recognized for its outstanding educational provision. The recent ungraded inspection conducted on February 28 and 29, 2024, confirmed that the school maintains its overall judgment of outstanding. However, the evidence suggests that if a graded inspection were to occur now, the results might not reflect the same high standards. The next inspection is expected to be a graded one. The executive headteacher, Emma McCann, leads the school, which is part of the Sidney Stringer Multi Academy Trust, overseen by CEO Claire Turpin and a board of trustees chaired by Julie Sullivan.
Pupils at Sidney Stringer Primary take immense pride in their school, describing it as a place of hope, determination, cooperation, and equality. The school is recognized for creating a happy environment that fosters a broad and rich educational experience. Students appreciate the variety of clubs, trips, and visitors organized by the school leaders, contributing to their overall enjoyment and engagement in school life. The ambitious curriculum designed by the leaders supports effective learning, ensuring that pupils from diverse backgrounds receive the necessary support to achieve well. The school collaborates effectively with parents and external agencies to maintain this inclusive approach.
Behavior among pupils is commendable, with a strong culture of high expectations and mutual respect established by the leaders. Students are polite and courteous, actively participating in lessons and collaborating well with their peers. They value opportunities to take on leadership roles, contributing positively to the school community. Reading is prioritized, with a focus on early reading initiatives that support all pupils, regardless of their starting points in English. The school employs skilled staff to assist those at risk of falling behind, enabling them to catch up quickly and develop a love for reading.
The school takes pride in its inclusive practices, particularly for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities. Their needs are accurately identified, and appropriate support is provided to ensure they can access the curriculum alongside their peers. While most pupils learn the intended curriculum effectively, there are instances where assessment is not consistently used to check understanding, leading to potential misconceptions. Additionally, the selection of learning activities does not always build on prior knowledge, which can hinder some pupils' learning.
Sidney Stringer Primary has high expectations for pupil behavior, and students respond positively to these standards. They understand the school's values, which are explicitly taught, and appropriate actions are taken when expectations are not met. The school actively manages attendance, ensuring it remains high and addressing any issues of absence strategically.
The emphasis on personal development is significant, with many pupils participating in various trips and extracurricular activities. The curriculum promotes respect for others, safety, and healthy relationships. Leaders are attentive to staff workload, fostering a supportive environment where staff feel proud to work. Governance is strong, with trustees committed to the school's success and fulfilling their responsibilities effectively.
The safeguarding arrangements in place are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. However, to improve further, the school needs to enhance the precision of assessment practices to identify and address misconceptions promptly. Additionally, the curriculum delivery should be coherent, ensuring that learning activities consistently build on pupils' existing knowledge and skills. Overall, Sidney Stringer Primary Academy continues to provide a high-quality education, with a commitment to inclusivity and personal development at its core.
