All Saints Church of England Primary School in Sapcote, Leicester, underwent an inspection on 11 and 12 October 2023, resulting in an overall effectiveness rating of good. The school is part of the Inspiring Primaries Academy Trust, with Shane Crick serving as the headteacher. The trust is overseen by CEO Andrew Riches and a board of trustees chaired by Graham Read. The school has made significant progress since its previous inspection, which rated it as requiring improvement.
The school is characterized by its inclusive and nurturing environment, where leaders maintain high expectations for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, as well as disadvantaged students. Pupils demonstrate positive attitudes towards their learning and are able to concentrate well during lessons. Feedback from students indicates that teachers are supportive and create a pleasant atmosphere conducive to learning. Pupils feel safe and have access to resources that support their social, emotional, and mental health, which they find valuable.
During break and lunchtime, pupils engage in sensible and focused play. The school effectively uses praise to reinforce positive behavior, and pupils have a clear understanding of bullying, reporting any incidents promptly. The school addresses bullying issues swiftly, and students recognize the importance of attendance, appreciating the rewards associated with it.
In the early years, children receive a strong start, benefiting from high expectations and clear routines. They learn essential social skills such as sharing and taking turns, which are effectively modeled by staff. The school emphasizes exploration and play, fostering language and communication development through high-quality interactions between adults and children.
Reading is a priority at the school, with an effective phonics program in place. Pupils learn to read by blending sounds, and their reading materials are carefully matched to their learning levels, enhancing their fluency. The school has invested in a diverse selection of reading materials, known as a reading spine, which includes a variety of authors and characters. This ambitious reading curriculum is designed to improve pupils' comprehension skills.
In mathematics, pupils benefit from revisiting and practicing previously learned concepts, which aids their understanding. Teachers effectively model learning, helping pupils retain information. The curriculum is designed to meet the needs of all learners, including those with special educational needs, ensuring that lessons challenge and extend thinking for advanced pupils.
The school has recently introduced a new curriculum approach for foundation subjects, which is well-sequenced and includes carefully planned key vocabulary. However, as this new curriculum is still in its early stages, not all pupils have the necessary knowledge to build on their learning effectively. In some subjects, the tasks assigned to pupils do not always align with lesson objectives or address misconceptions, which can hinder their learning progress.
Pupils' behavior is a notable strength of the school, with students perceiving sanctions as fair. The school provides spaces for self-regulation, such as breakout rooms and tepees in classrooms. Personal development is prioritized, with opportunities for pupils to engage in debates and express their views. The school promotes healthy lifestyles through initiatives like Move it March, and many pupils participate in various clubs and extracurricular activities.
Leadership and management at the school are effective, with leaders maintaining strong communication with external agencies to support pupils with special educational needs. Governors and trustees fulfill their statutory duties, and staff feel supported regarding workload and professional development opportunities.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. However, the school recognizes the need for further improvement in certain areas. Some elements of the curriculum require additional time for full implementation to ensure that pupils retain a comprehensive understanding of the subjects. The school aims to ensure that all curriculum aspects are fully embedded and that staff receive the necessary support to enhance teaching strategies and address misconceptions effectively. Overall, the school is on a positive trajectory, with a commitment to continuous improvement in the quality of education it provides.
