The Icknield Primary School, located in Cambridge, underwent an ungraded inspection on 14 and 15 November 2023. The overall judgement remains good, but evidence suggests that a graded inspection might yield a lower rating. The next inspection will be graded. The headteacher, Diane Mitchell, leads the school, which is part of Anglian Learning, overseen by CEO Jonathan Culpin and a board of trustees chaired by Helen Pain.
Pupils at the school enjoy positive relationships with staff, fostering a safe environment where they feel comfortable seeking help. They demonstrate respect for their teachers through good behavior and active participation in lessons. Staff maintain high expectations for all pupils, including those who are disadvantaged or have special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). However, some staff in leadership roles are still acclimating and have not yet fully assessed pupil learning in phonics, leading to some students falling behind.
In the early years, staff effectively help children settle into routines, promoting respectful behavior during assemblies and encouraging turn-taking. Pupils appreciate the diverse opportunities provided by the school, including involvement in charity work, school productions, and various events that promote resilience and ambition.
The school has a well-structured curriculum, with clear objectives for what pupils should learn in subjects like mathematics and history. Leaders have identified gaps in learning and implemented checks to help pupils catch up. However, challenges remain in early reading, where some pupils struggle to keep pace due to insufficient training for staff in phonics instruction. The school ensures that early readers have access to appropriate books, but a small number of pupils still lag in phonics knowledge.
Behavior expectations are clearly communicated, and pupils generally adhere to these standards, resulting in calm classrooms with minimal disruption. Reception children quickly learn these expectations, and those with additional emotional needs receive effective support, allowing them to engage fully in school life. Attendance is prioritized, with leaders analyzing reasons for persistent absence and providing necessary support.
The school effectively identifies and supports pupils with SEND, ensuring they learn alongside their peers and access the same ambitious curriculum. Personal development opportunities are abundant, with lessons on mindfulness preparing pupils for assessments in Year 6. The school celebrates cultural diversity through assemblies and language learning, fostering a sense of pride among pupils.
The trust provides valuable support, including training and mentoring for staff, while also considering their workload and well-being. Most parents and carers express positive views about the school, although some have raised concerns regarding support for SEND pupils. The school plans to enhance communication with parents about its support systems.
Safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. However, to improve, the school must ensure that all staff receive adequate training in phonics instruction to help pupils catch up effectively. Leaders should also monitor the implementation of the phonics curriculum to ensure all pupils are progressing as intended. This inspection marks the first routine evaluation since the pandemic, with the inspector considering its impact on the school's operations and educational quality.
