Upwood Primary Academy, located in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, has been rated as good in its recent inspection conducted on November 2 and 3, 2022. The school has established a positive environment where pupils are polite and friendly, fostering respectful relationships between students and staff. The school emphasizes hard work and adherence to rules, which pupils follow diligently. Lessons are well-planned, allowing students to build on prior knowledge, and most pupils demonstrate a good understanding of what they have learned. This includes students with special educational needs and disabilities, who are well-supported in their learning.
The school has clear expectations and routines that contribute to a calm and purposeful learning atmosphere. Pupils are aware of what constitutes bullying and report that it is infrequent, with any incidents being addressed promptly by staff. This contributes to a sense of safety among students, who also understand the importance of kindness and respect for differences. The school promotes an understanding of various cultures, encouraging pupils to celebrate diversity and recognize the value of individuality.
Leaders at Upwood Primary Academy have implemented an ambitious curriculum that is well-organized to help pupils build on their existing knowledge. Students with special educational needs follow the same curriculum as their peers, with appropriate adaptations made to support their learning. The school prioritizes reading, with staff receiving training to enhance phonics instruction starting in Reception. Most pupils, including those with special educational needs, develop their reading skills quickly and enjoy discussing the stories they read.
While the school has effective systems in place to monitor pupil progress in most subjects, some areas require further development to ensure leaders can accurately assess how well pupils are learning the planned curriculum. Teachers adapt their instruction based on what pupils know, but some lack confidence in their subject knowledge, which can affect the consistency of their teaching. Pupils are encouraged to make connections across different subjects, enhancing their learning experience.
In the early years, children achieve well through activities tailored to their needs, promoting independence and enthusiasm for learning. However, a newly introduced behavior policy has not yet been fully embedded, leading to occasional off-task behavior among a small number of pupils. Leaders are working to ensure consistent application of this policy to minimize disruptions to learning.
The school has experienced leadership changes and is part of the Thomas Deacon Education Trust. Relationships between trustees, governors, and school leaders are strong, providing effective support and challenge. Staff feel valued and supported, contributing to a strong community ethos within the school. Parents express positive views about the school, reflecting a sense of belonging.
Safeguarding arrangements are effective, with staff knowing pupils and families well, allowing for timely identification of those in need of support. Leaders conduct thorough pre-employment checks and respond appropriately to concerns. Pupils are educated about local and online risks, contributing to their sense of safety.
To improve, the school should focus on enhancing teachers' subject knowledge and ensuring consistent monitoring of pupil learning across all subjects. Additionally, the behavior policy needs to be uniformly applied to prevent off-task behavior from impacting learning. Overall, Upwood Primary Academy demonstrates a commitment to providing a good quality of education and fostering a supportive learning environment for all pupils.
