Parker’s Church of England Primary Academy, located in Saham Toney, Norfolk, was inspected on 17 and 18 October 2023. 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. The school is part of the Diocese of Norwich Education and Academies Trust, overseen by CEO Oliver Burwood and a board of trustees chaired by Willie Crawshay. The executive headteacher, Sarah Disney, manages this school along with another institution.
The school promotes six core values: respect, hope, kindness, responsibility, strength, and unity, which are evident in the daily interactions among pupils. Students demonstrate these values in their relationships and are enthusiastic about attending school. They engage positively in the playground, with older students taking care of younger ones. The staff encourages pupils to strive for excellence, and students take pride in their achievements, celebrated during weekly assemblies. The school is inclusive, ensuring that pupils with special educational needs and disabilities are fully integrated into school life.
Pupils have opportunities to take on leadership roles, such as participating in the school council or librarian team, which fosters a sense of responsibility and belonging. The school organizes enriching trips to various educational sites, including a wetland centre, Norwich Castle, and the Imperial War Museum at Duxford, along with a residential trip for older pupils to promote independence and resilience.
Following a curriculum review, the school has developed a broad and ambitious curriculum that outlines essential knowledge for each year group. The curriculum is structured to build knowledge progressively, although there are some subjects where teaching does not fully meet the needs of mixed-age classes. In a few instances, planned activities do not effectively promote pupil progress.
In the early years, children adapt quickly to the school’s routines, and activities are designed to inspire deep thinking. Teachers possess strong subject knowledge and effectively recap previous learning, helping pupils retain information and use appropriate vocabulary. The school emphasizes a love of reading, with high-quality books integrated into all subjects. Daily phonics sessions are well-taught, although some older pupils in key stage two may not receive adequate support due to staff training gaps in the phonics programme.
Behaviour in the school is generally good, with adults modeling expected behaviours and maintaining consistency in managing conduct. Classrooms are calm and conducive to learning, although a small number of pupils may require additional support to meet expectations. The school effectively identifies pupils with special educational needs, ensuring they receive the necessary support while learning the same curriculum as their peers.
Personal development is prioritized, with lessons in relationships and health education teaching age-appropriate social and emotional skills. Pupils engage in community activities, such as fundraising and litter picking, and learn about major world religions through religious education lessons. The governance structure provided by the trust supports school leaders, and staff appreciate the training and networking opportunities available.
The safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. To improve, the school should address the curriculum needs of mixed-age classes in a few subjects and ensure all staff in key stage two are trained in the phonics programme to support older pupils in becoming confident readers. Overall, Parker’s Church of England Primary Academy demonstrates a commitment to providing a quality education and fostering a supportive community for its pupils.
