Great Ouse Primary Academy is a newly established school located in Bedford, Bedfordshire, which opened in September 2017. The school operates as a free academy and is part of the Cambridge Meridian Academies Trust, having joined the trust in September 2021. The school caters to a diverse student body, with pupils attending from various backgrounds. The recent inspection conducted on 22 and 23 February 2022 rated the overall effectiveness of the school as good across all key areas, including the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision.
Pupils at Great Ouse Primary Academy exhibit a positive attitude towards their school environment. They arrive each day with enthusiasm and demonstrate respect towards staff and peers. The school fosters a sense of pride among students, who appreciate the multicultural community and the opportunities it provides. Relationships between pupils and staff are strong, contributing to a supportive learning atmosphere. Pupils report that behaviour is generally good, and instances of bullying are rare, with a clear process in place for addressing any concerns.
The curriculum at Great Ouse is ambitious and well-structured, designed to meet the needs of all year groups from early years to Year 6. Leaders have carefully crafted curriculum plans that outline essential knowledge and skills for pupils to acquire. These plans include key concepts that connect different subjects, enhancing pupils' ability to retain and apply their knowledge. Teachers are committed to delivering engaging lessons, and most demonstrate strong subject knowledge, effectively checking for understanding and addressing misconceptions.
However, some areas require improvement. A few subject leaders, particularly those new to their roles, have not yet monitored the effectiveness of their curriculum plans adequately. This lack of oversight may hinder the ability to assess how well pupils are building their knowledge. Additionally, there are inconsistencies in the quality of presentation in pupils' workbooks, with some work not being recorded as accurately as it should be. This issue needs to be addressed to ensure that pupils can demonstrate their understanding effectively.
In the early years, children quickly learn essential phonics skills that support their reading development. Teachers provide targeted support for pupils who struggle with reading, ensuring that they have access to appropriately matched reading materials. This approach fosters confidence in reading among pupils, who express enthusiasm for the books they read and the authors they discover.
The school is also committed to supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities. Their needs are identified early, and teachers adapt lessons to ensure that these pupils can access the same learning opportunities as their peers. This inclusive approach helps all students achieve well across the curriculum.
Pupils engage in various extracurricular activities, including sports, music, and art, which help them develop their interests and talents. The school encourages participation in community initiatives, fostering a sense of teamwork and responsibility among students. The recent establishment of a new trust has provided additional support for school leaders, who are focused on maintaining a collaborative ethos and managing staff workload effectively.
Safeguarding measures at Great Ouse Primary Academy are robust, with well-trained staff who are vigilant in protecting pupils. The school emphasizes the importance of safety education, teaching pupils about first aid, online safety, and how to express their concerns.
Overall, Great Ouse Primary Academy is a welcoming and effective learning environment that prioritizes the well-being and development of its pupils. While there are areas for growth, particularly in curriculum monitoring and presentation standards, the school demonstrates a strong commitment to providing quality education and fostering a positive school culture.
