Samuel Barlow Primary Academy, located in Clipstone, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, was inspected on 18 and 19 January 2022. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as good across all areas, including the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. This was the first inspection under section five of the Education Act 2005 since the school joined the Diverse Academies Trust in September 2017.
Pupils at Samuel Barlow Primary Academy enjoy attending school and feel safe within its environment. They report that staff treat them with respect and are confident that any issues they face will be addressed promptly. The leadership team is ambitious for all pupils, aiming for them to achieve their best and be well-prepared for future educational stages. Many pupils express aspirations for their future careers, such as becoming nurses or police officers.
The school environment is described as calm and welcoming, with a majority of pupils displaying good behaviour. Leaders are aware that some pupils struggle with behaviour and provide additional support to help them. Bullying is taken seriously, and staff ensure that any incidents are resolved quickly. Despite challenges posed by the pandemic, school leaders have worked diligently to maintain educational standards and prioritize the well-being of both pupils and staff. The school community, including governors and staff, expresses pride in the improvements made during this period.
The curriculum at Samuel Barlow Primary Academy is broad and well-organized, with clear plans that outline essential knowledge for pupils. Teachers effectively use assessments to monitor pupil progress and identify those needing extra support. However, some areas of the curriculum are still in the early stages of implementation. Subject leaders are generally knowledgeable and provide support to their colleagues, although some newer leaders require further development to enhance their confidence and skills.
The school is inclusive, with pupils with special educational needs and disabilities receiving appropriate support. Staff are trained to identify and meet the needs of these pupils, ensuring they can thrive in the school environment. Most pupils engage positively in their learning, although there are instances where some do not participate promptly or stay focused during lessons.
Reading is a priority at the school, with a well-planned reading curriculum and effective phonics instruction. Early years pupils begin learning phonics immediately, and those who struggle receive additional help. Pupils enjoy reading and are exposed to a diverse range of literature, which helps expand their vocabulary.
In the early years, children receive a strong start, with staff recognizing their individual needs and planning suitable activities. The focus is on developing essential skills such as listening, social interaction, and early literacy and numeracy.
Personal development is emphasized, with teachers providing enriching experiences that promote positive citizenship traits like resilience and teamwork. Pupils engage in community contributions, such as food bank donations and organizing local events.
Overall, the school has made significant progress since its last inspection, with strong leadership and support from the multi-academy trust contributing to its success. Safeguarding measures are effective, ensuring that pupils are well-protected and educated about safety, including online safety. To further improve, the school should focus on ensuring all pupils develop a positive attitude towards learning and provide additional training for less experienced subject leaders to enhance their effectiveness. Additionally, ongoing monitoring of the curriculum will help refine it to maximize pupil knowledge retention.
