Ellison Primary Academy, located in Wolstanton, Newcastle, Staffordshire, was inspected on 27 and 28 June 2023. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as good, with specific areas such as the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, leadership and management, and early years provision also receiving good ratings. Notably, personal development was rated as outstanding. The school has maintained its previous inspection grade of good since the last inspection in October 2019.
Pupils at Ellison Primary Academy are described as caring, collaborative, and inquisitive learners who engage actively in discussions and value the opinions of others. The school fosters an environment where pupils feel safe and supported, with strong relationships between staff and students. Leaders have high expectations for all pupils, ensuring they are well-prepared academically, emotionally, and socially for their future endeavors. Parents and carers express satisfaction with the school, highlighting the emotional well-being of their children as a significant strength.
The curriculum at Ellison Primary Academy is broad and ambitious, with clear planning that outlines what pupils should learn and when. While many subjects enable pupils to make strong progress, there are instances where the activities provided do not consistently support learning as effectively as possible. Teachers utilize assessment strategies well, regularly checking on pupils' understanding and adapting their teaching accordingly. The school places a strong emphasis on reading, with skilled staff teaching phonics from the start of a pupil's education. This approach has resulted in pupils becoming confident and fluent readers.
In the early years, staff create a nurturing environment that helps children feel safe and develop confidence. Children are encouraged to interact and support one another in their learning activities. Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities receive good support, although there are occasions when the support provided does not fully match their needs in certain subjects.
The school excels in promoting personal development, offering pupils various roles and responsibilities that enhance their engagement and sense of belonging. Pupils participate in educational visits and activities that enrich their learning experiences. The school also prioritizes physical and mental health, with initiatives like the daily mile and discussions around mental health issues.
Governance at Ellison Primary Academy is strong, with the multi-academy trust providing valuable support to leaders and staff. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with staff trained to recognize and act on concerns regarding pupil safety. Pupils demonstrate a thorough understanding of online safety and are equipped to discuss potential safeguarding issues.
While the school has many strengths, there are areas for improvement. In a few subjects, the activities provided do not facilitate optimal learning, leading to some pupils not achieving their full potential. Additionally, support for pupils with special educational needs should be more closely aligned with their individual needs to enhance their learning experiences.
Overall, Ellison Primary Academy is a good school that effectively supports its pupils' academic and personal development while fostering a safe and inclusive environment. The leadership team is committed to continuous improvement, ensuring that all pupils receive the best possible education and support throughout their time at the school.