St Saviour’s CofE Academy is recognized as a good school, providing a nurturing and positive environment where pupils thrive. The school is characterized by its strong Christian values, which permeate all aspects of school life. Pupils express enjoyment in attending school, valuing their education and the friendships they build. The high expectations set by staff are met with enthusiasm by the students, who take pride in their work and achievements. The school fosters a sense of community, with pupils looking after one another and including others in their activities. Incidents of bullying are infrequent, and pupils feel safe, trusting that adults will address any issues promptly.
The school promotes independence by entrusting pupils with various responsibilities, such as being office juniors or school councillors. These roles are seen as privileges, and pupils approach them with diligence, which enhances their confidence. Leaders have made significant efforts to improve the curriculum, collaborating with professionals to create a well-structured program that clearly outlines what pupils should learn in each subject. The early years curriculum effectively prepares children for their transition to Year 1.
Teachers follow a logical progression in their lessons, allowing pupils to build knowledge incrementally. Regular assessments help staff gauge pupils' understanding and adapt their teaching accordingly, ensuring that all students, including those with special educational needs, receive the support they need to succeed. The school prioritizes reading, with a well-organized phonics program that benefits younger pupils. Most students achieve fluency in reading by the end of Year 2, thanks to daily practice and tailored lessons.
Behaviour expectations are clearly defined and developed with pupil input, fostering a calm and respectful atmosphere. The school community shares values of aspiration, perseverance, respect, forgiveness, honesty, and friendship, which are evident in the conduct of both staff and students. When behavioural issues arise, staff address them effectively, reinforcing positive behaviour through recognition and celebration.
The school also emphasizes spiritual development, maintaining strong ties with the church and teaching pupils about various faiths. The personal, social, health, and economic education curriculum promotes respect and tolerance. Although extracurricular activities were paused during the pandemic, the school has since provided alternative experiences during the school day. However, the reintroduction of after-school clubs is still awaited by both parents and pupils.
Leaders are attentive to staff well-being, ensuring that all employees feel supported and enjoy their work environment. The safeguarding measures in place are robust, with clear roles and responsibilities for those involved in safeguarding. Staff are well-informed about their responsibilities in keeping children safe and are vigilant in recognizing potential harm.
Despite the school's strengths, there are areas for improvement. The pandemic disrupted the usual monitoring of teaching effectiveness, leading to inconsistencies in lesson delivery. Leaders are encouraged to establish systems to monitor lesson effectiveness across all subjects. Additionally, the lack of extracurricular activities limits pupils' experiences beyond the academic curriculum, and leaders should work towards broadening these opportunities.
Overall, St Saviour’s CofE Academy continues to provide a supportive and effective educational environment, with a commitment to the well-being and development of its pupils. The school is well-regarded by the community and demonstrates a clear dedication to maintaining high standards in education and care.
