Co-op Academy Friarswood has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on May 24 and 25, 2023. The school emphasizes its core values of safety, trust, achievement, and resilience, which are integral to the leadership and culture within the school. Pupils express a strong sense of happiness and safety, noting that bullying is not tolerated and that teachers respond promptly to any concerns. The involvement of pupils and parents in developing the school's behavior policy has contributed to a positive environment where students exhibit excellent behavior with minimal incidents of disruption.
The leadership team at Co-op Academy Friarswood has high expectations for its pupils, ensuring they are aware of various career opportunities available to them. The school organizes numerous visits from professionals across different fields, providing students with insights into potential future careers from an early age. The curriculum is designed to impart essential knowledge and vocabulary, with careful consideration of how it builds on prior learning. Parents have expressed satisfaction with the school's efforts, highlighting the supportive learning atmosphere.
Significant investment has been made in developing the curriculum, with staff receiving extensive training to enhance their teaching capabilities. While most subjects are well-structured and taught confidently, some areas require updates to ensure that pupils' subject knowledge is secure. Teachers demonstrate strong subject knowledge and effectively engage students in their learning, leading to focused classrooms with minimal disruptions. Regular assessments allow teachers to adapt their instruction based on students' needs.
The school has fostered a positive reading culture, with pupils actively discussing their favorite books and enjoying reading both at school and home. Staff regularly read to students, and reading ambassadors promote a love for literature by selecting relevant texts for classroom discussions. Phonics instruction is tailored to build on existing knowledge, enabling most pupils to become confident readers. However, inconsistencies in the implementation of this approach have been noted, affecting the learning pace of a minority of students.
Support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities is a priority, with tailored resources enabling them to work alongside their peers effectively. The new SEND coordinator has improved the identification process for these pupils, ensuring that parents are kept informed about their children's progress. Pupils are encouraged to take on various responsibilities, such as participating in eco-initiatives, which promote independence and prepare them for future challenges. A wide range of extracurricular clubs is available, catering for diverse interests.
The governing body is well-informed about the school and supports the leadership's commitment to staff workload considerations. The school benefits from the backing of the Co-op academies trust, which enhances its operational effectiveness. Safeguarding measures are robust, with staff trained to recognize and address any concerns promptly. The school environment is one where pupils feel secure and are educated on safety both in their community and online.
To improve further, the school must ensure that all staff consistently follow the agreed-upon methods for teaching early reading, as some discrepancies have been identified that hinder certain pupils' progress. Additionally, some subject curriculums are still in the early stages of implementation, necessitating careful planning and delivery to enhance pupils' retention of knowledge. Overall, Co-op Academy Friarswood continues to provide a supportive and effective educational experience for its students.
