Valley Primary Academy in Norwich underwent an inspection on June 6 and 7, 2023, resulting in an overall effectiveness rating of Requires Improvement. The quality of education was also rated as Requires Improvement, while behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision received a Good rating. The school has made progress since its previous inspection, which also rated it as Requires Improvement.
Pupils at Valley Primary Academy take pride in their achievements and enjoy receiving house points. They demonstrate a keen interest in learning and feel safe and happy at school. The supportive relationships between staff and pupils contribute to a positive learning environment. Pupils engage in various activities, including bushcraft and music lessons, and most exhibit good behaviour. Instances of bullying are rare and addressed promptly. The school provides effective support for pupils who struggle with behaviour, helping them manage their emotions and remain settled throughout the day.
The early years provision is strong, with children in Reception well-prepared for Year 1, both academically and socially. However, older pupils are still adjusting to recent curriculum improvements, which are not yet fully developed, leading to inconsistent achievement levels. Leaders are actively working to enhance the curriculum, with some subjects, like science, showing established improvements. In contrast, other subjects lack clarity in their curriculum planning, resulting in staff being less certain about essential knowledge for pupils.
Reading is a priority at Valley Primary Academy, with a rigorous focus on phonics instruction. Staff are well-trained to deliver effective lessons, ensuring that pupils learn to read fluently. Support is provided promptly for any pupils who fall behind, and a wide range of reading materials is available, fostering enthusiasm for reading among students.
The school has made strides in supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), ensuring they are identified quickly and receive appropriate assistance. However, some pupils with less complex needs do not consistently receive timely support due to the newness of the curriculum planning in certain subjects. Leaders are aware of this issue and are working to ensure that all staff are adequately trained to support these pupils effectively.
Pupils' behaviour is generally good, with clear expectations set by leaders. While most routines are well-established, there are instances where additional support is provided to help pupils meet behaviour expectations. The school prioritizes pupils' well-being and personal development, promoting respect for differences and teaching them about safety and financial management. A variety of clubs and trips, such as chess club and visits to local attractions, enhance the pupils' experience.
Leadership changes have led to a focused effort on improving the curriculum, resulting in positive impacts on education quality and behaviour. Leaders recognize that further work is needed, but there is evidence that their efforts are making a difference. The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, with appropriate checks in place for staff and clear policies to protect pupils. Staff are confident in raising concerns, and pupils receive education on safety, both online and offline.
To improve further, leaders must ensure that all subjects are planned consistently and that assessment is used effectively to monitor pupils' learning. Additionally, they need to provide appropriate training for staff to support all pupils with SEND adequately. Overall, while Valley Primary Academy has made progress, there are still areas that require attention to ensure all pupils achieve their full potential.
