Abbots Green Primary Academy, located in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, has received a positive inspection report, highlighting its overall effectiveness as good. The inspection took place on June 7 and 8, 2022, and the school has not been previously inspected under the current framework. The quality of education, behavior and attitudes, and leadership and management were all rated as good, while personal development and early years provision were rated as outstanding.
The school promotes a set of values known as the ‘rainbow values,’ which encapsulate the positive attributes of its pupils. Students demonstrate responsibility in their learning, engaging in regular reading to earn recognition through the ‘reading cup.’ They are encouraged to take on various roles within the school, training diligently to fulfill these responsibilities. The school’s behavior management system, known as the ‘zone board,’ motivates pupils to behave well, with many striving to achieve gold status for special privileges. The ‘Rainbow Room’ serves as a supportive environment that fosters self-esteem and helps pupils understand and report bullying effectively, knowing that staff will address any issues promptly.
The curriculum at Abbots Green is well-structured, promoting open-mindedness among pupils. They learn to appreciate diversity and discuss differences among people and families maturely. The school offers various extracurricular activities and trips, allowing pupils to explore new experiences. The school’s final value, ‘wow,’ aptly describes the overall atmosphere, as pupils feel happy and safe in their environment.
In the early years, children receive a strong foundation, with leaders taking pride in the development of their provision. The curriculum is designed to engage children with interesting concepts and vocabulary, and staff use effective assessment methods to tailor activities that enhance skill development. Many children in Reception demonstrate strong writing abilities, thanks to the focus on developing fine and gross motor skills. Staff also help children understand their emotions, aiding in behavior regulation, and provide guidance to parents to support their child’s learning.
The school’s detailed curriculum supports teachers in delivering effective education. Leaders are proactive in enhancing the curriculum when necessary, such as ensuring that reading materials align with the sounds pupils are learning. This approach helps students read with increasing fluency and tackle more challenging texts. Assessment practices are carefully considered, with most teachers making insightful assessments during lessons to address misunderstandings. However, some pupils struggle to recall prior learning, which can hinder their ability to connect new knowledge with what they have previously learned.
Support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities is well-managed, with teachers exploring ways to assist learning and behavior before seeking additional help. The school maintains strong relationships with parents and pupils throughout this process. Pupils exhibit confident and kind behavior, with staff modeling the expected conduct. High expectations for behavior and attendance are upheld, contributing to a positive school culture.
The personal development program at Abbots Green stands out due to its comprehensive approach. Staff prepare pupils for responsibilities, ensuring they take their roles seriously and can train others. The extracurricular offerings provide opportunities for pupils to develop their talents, such as participating in the school choir and joining the cathedral choir for enhanced performance experiences. The ‘Rainbow Room’ plays a central role in pastoral support, offering nurturing for both pupils and parents beyond the school day.
Dedicated leadership drives continuous improvement within the school. Leaders share evaluations with governors, who use this information to inform their visits and ensure the curriculum and systems are effective. Staff and parents express satisfaction with the school, noting the value placed on staff contributions and the overall positive environment for students.
Safeguarding arrangements are effective, with staff receiving regular training to identify vulnerable pupils and address concerns promptly. Pupils are knowledgeable about safety, both online and offline, and the ‘safety squad’ actively contributes to maintaining a secure environment.
To enhance its effectiveness further, the school should focus on helping pupils better recall previous learning to strengthen their understanding and connections to current content. Overall, Abbots Green Primary Academy demonstrates a commitment to providing a high-quality education and a supportive environment for its pupils.
