Park View Academy, located in Huyton, Liverpool, has recently undergone an inspection on the 23rd and 24th of April 2024, resulting in an overall effectiveness rating of good. The school has shown significant improvement since its previous inspection, which rated it as requiring improvement. The executive headteacher, Damian Kenny, leads the school, which is part of the Dean Trust, overseen by CEO Tarun Kapur and a board of trustees chaired by Damian McGann.
The atmosphere at Park View Academy is welcoming, fostering excellent relationships among pupils, which contributes to a happy learning environment. The school sets high expectations for student learning, ensuring that pupils achieve well across various subjects. From the early years, children quickly adapt and develop a curiosity for learning, while older pupils remain motivated and engaged in their education.
Behaviour management is a strong point at the school, with pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, demonstrating exemplary conduct. Older students take on leadership roles, positively influencing the behaviour and wellbeing of their peers. The sense of pride and belonging among pupils is evident, as they actively participate in discussions about current affairs and appreciate the recognition of their efforts during weekly assemblies.
The curriculum at Park View Academy is well-structured, benefiting from the expertise within the Dean Trust. Staff effectively build on pupils' prior knowledge and prepare them for transitions, such as moving from Reception to key stage one. Assessment practices are generally effective, although there are inconsistencies across some subjects, particularly in the early years, where the focus on long-term retention of knowledge could be improved.
Phonics instruction is comprehensive, enabling pupils to read with increasing accuracy. The school provides additional support for those who struggle with reading, ensuring that all pupils can keep pace with the curriculum. The identification of pupils with special educational needs is thorough, particularly in the early years, allowing for timely interventions that support their progress.
The school's approach to personal development is exceptional, helping pupils build resilience and character. They gain a strong understanding of the wider world through the study of different cultures and religions, and they demonstrate a solid grasp of British values. Parents and carers appreciate the growth they see in their children as individuals.
Attendance is a priority, with the school implementing measures to monitor and encourage high attendance rates. The local governing board and trustees actively engage in school improvement, ensuring that leaders are held accountable for the quality of education provided.
Staff feel supported in their roles, and the school has made efforts to reduce their workload while maintaining high standards of feedback for pupils. The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, creating a safe environment for all students.
To further enhance its provision, the school needs to refine assessment practices in a few subjects to better gauge pupils' long-term retention of knowledge. This will help address any gaps in understanding and ensure that all pupils can build on their learning effectively. Overall, Park View Academy is a thriving educational institution that prioritizes the well-being and development of its pupils while striving for continuous improvement.
