Beacon View Primary Academy

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils at this school are joyful and enthusiastic to learn.

From the very start in early years, they follow the school rules and routines. They know and demonstrate the school values of respect, responsibility and resilience. Pupils are kind and caring to each other.

During break and lunchtime, they share and play well together. Pupils enjoy the wide range of activities available.

Pupils appreciate and understand the high expectations of behaviour and achievement the school has for them.

They strive to achieve these expectations and do so well across most areas of the curriculum. They are cared for well by staff who really know them and their familie...s. Pupils benefit strongly from the positive relationships the school develops with them.

Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are supported effectively by the school.

Pupils benefit from an exceptional range of activities provided by the school. They know how to stay safe and healthy.

Pupils have a real voice in the school. They eagerly take on responsibilities such as prefect or digital leader. Pupils speak confidently about how these roles make a difference.

They contribute well to the life of the school and wider community.

What does the school do well and what does it need to do better?

The school's curriculum is ambitious. It has been carefully thought through to match the needs and context of the pupils.

From early years through to Year 6, the curriculum is well sequenced. This ensures pupils are well prepared for their next steps as they move through the school.

Published outcomes at the end of key stage 2 are significantly below average in most areas.

The school has responded by taking effective action to improve the curriculum. This has had a positive impact on how well pupils progress through it in most subjects. There has also been a sharp focus on prioritising reading.

Consequently, pupils have secured early reading and phonics knowledge. This means they can access the wider curriculum more consistently.

In most areas of the curriculum, staff appropriately check how well pupils are learning.

In subjects where this is happening systematically, pupils learn the intended curriculum well. There are a small number of subjects where the school has not ensured this is happening as consistently. Where this is the case, pupils have been less successful in building knowledge over time.

Children in early years benefit from high-quality learning that provides the best start possible to their time in school. The children's needs are met well by expert early years practitioners. An exceptionally well-designed range of activities are skilfully delivered in a well-resourced environment.

This ensures children secure the knowledge required to be ready for key stage 1.

Highly skilled teaching of phonics begins in nursery. Staff quickly spot if children are falling behind with their reading.

Where this is the case, they put in place effective activities to close gaps in knowledge. This enables all pupils to build reading fluency as quickly as possible.

Pupils with SEND have their needs identified rapidly and effectively.

Staff are supported to be aware of the needs of all pupils. This means effective adaptations are made to ensure that pupils with SEND have access to the same learning as their classmates. The school supports well those pupils who demonstrate the most complex needs.

It is determined to ensure these pupils have the same opportunities as everyone else.

The school is a calm and harmonious environment in which to learn. In classrooms, pupils engage consistently well with their learning.

Low-level disruption is very rare and does not impact on how well pupils learn the intended curriculum. The school's behaviour management approach is consistently applied by staff. Pupils understand and live the rules of 'ready, respectful and safe'.

Those with the most complex behavioural needs are provided with additional support and space in 'The Haven'. Over time, this helps them develop strategies to manage their own behaviours effectively.

The personal development offer is exceptional.

The school goes above and beyond to provide a rich set of experiences for all pupils. A 'Beacon View Charter' describes all the experiences children will have before leaving the school, from visiting the beach to learning a musical instrument. The offer to develop individuals' talents and interests supports their character development well.

Pupils and families benefit from the school's extensive engagement with the community. This develops a strong sense of belonging and helps pupils become aware of the positive impact they can have on society. Pupils learn to take responsibility and think of others.

The impressive offer means pupils are very well prepared for the next stage in their lives.

Those responsible for governance know the school well. They provide support and challenge to the school effectively.

Leaders at all levels are focused on providing pupils with an excellent education. Staff value the focus school leaders have had on their well-being and workload, and they feel well supported.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

What does the school need to do to improve?

(Information for the school and appropriate authority)

• In some subjects, assessment is not always used effectively to identify and address misconceptions. As a result, there are gaps in some pupils' knowledge in these subjects. The school should support teachers to ensure systems are used consistently so that gaps in pupils' knowledge are closed effectively in these subjects.