Roxton Church of England Academy, located in Bedford, has recently undergone its first inspection since becoming an academy. The inspection took place on April 25 and 26, 2023, and the school received an overall effectiveness rating of good across all areas, including the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. The school is characterized by a caring and nurturing environment where pupils feel confident, happy, and safe. They describe the school as a community where everyone can learn and grow together, reflecting the school’s values of compassion and kindness.
Pupils enjoy their learning experiences, which include engaging activities such as clay modelling and creating art galleries. The curriculum is well-balanced, and pupils generally receive the support they need to succeed. Behaviour in lessons is positive, with high expectations set by leaders. Bullying is rare, and pupils understand the importance of healthy friendships, often helping each other resolve conflicts. They trust adults to support them with any worries they may have.
The school has established an ambitious curriculum that outlines the skills and knowledge necessary for pupils to progress in their education. In most subjects, the curriculum plans are detailed and guide teachers in breaking down content into manageable steps. This approach allows pupils to revisit and practice their learning, leading to a secure understanding of essential knowledge. However, in a few subjects, the curriculum does not clearly identify the most important knowledge and skills, which can result in lessons that attempt to cover too much content, making it challenging for some pupils to retain information.
Leaders prioritize early reading, fostering a love for reading among pupils. Phonics teaching begins in Reception, and teachers are attentive to any gaps in pupils’ knowledge, ensuring they receive the necessary support to become fluent readers. The books provided are well-matched to pupils' reading levels, further aiding their development.
The school effectively identifies pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and provides appropriate support to ensure their success. Pupils with SEND access the same curriculum as their peers, and staff are well-trained to meet their needs. Targets are set to help these pupils make significant progress in their learning.
In the early years, children benefit from a structured curriculum that promotes independence and engagement through self-selection of resources. Staff encourage children to think critically and model appropriate vocabulary, helping them develop essential skills.
Pupils take pride in their school and understand the importance of community and collaboration. They learn to respect individual differences and engage in activities that promote their physical and mental well-being. Opportunities for personal development are abundant, including participation in assemblies, school trips, and community events.
Governors are well-informed about the school’s improvement needs and work collaboratively with leaders to enhance the quality of education. Leaders value staff contributions and consider their workload and well-being in decision-making.
The safeguarding arrangements at Roxton Church of England Academy are effective, with leaders prioritizing the safety and well-being of pupils. Staff are trained to recognize and report concerns promptly, and leaders take appropriate action to address any issues. The school maintains detailed records of safeguarding measures and ensures that all staff undergo necessary checks.
Overall, Roxton Church of England Academy demonstrates a commitment to providing a supportive and effective learning environment for its pupils, with clear areas for improvement identified in the curriculum planning for certain subjects. The school is well-positioned to continue its positive trajectory in education.
