Sutton Primary School where ‘pupils want to do well’

A primary school in Sutton where pupils ‘want to do well’ has been given its highest rating by Ofsted.

Inspectors visited Avenue Primary Academy on January 31 and the report was published on March 15.

Avenue Primary Academy received the highest rating of ‘outstanding’ in all areas: quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management and early years provision.

Inspectors wrote in their report: “Pupil behavior is exceptional throughout the school.

“This is because students have been taught how to behave and because they want to do well.”

They also praised the “warm working relationships” between adults and students who “penetrate the school”.

Inspectors also praised the school’s program of taking up roles for pupils, which include being ambassadors, wellbeing champions and reading champions, where Year 6 pupils read to those in years below.

Ofsted was impressed by the level of attendance at Avenue Primary Academy and said the actions of leaders meant “the proportion of pupils who are persistently absent is falling”.

Inspectors also wrote that reading is a priority at Avenue Primary Academy.

They said “leaders are committed to all students learning to read confidently and fluently” and noted that kindergarten children listen “attentively and enthusiastically join in with repeated phrases.”

They saw how children are taught to read right from the start of Reception and that Year 6 pupils “love being read to by their teachers because it takes them to a magical place”.

Avenue Primary Academy was given credit for its “ambitious curriculum” and how leaders have “strong subject knowledge”.

According to them, teachers explain concepts clearly and quickly correct misconceptions so that students understand the content.

Inspectors also wrote: “The school ensures that pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are identified quickly so that they receive the help they need to access the curriculum and develop.”

They said staff trained well to provide support and as a result pupils with SEND were achieving well.

Ofsted concluded its report by talking about the school’s view of the emotional wellbeing of its pupils.

They were impressed by how students were taught how to “understand and regulate their feelings”.

They noted how leaders thought carefully about how to help pupils with SEND to ‘express their feelings’ by having them carry ’emotion cards to help pupils explain how they feel’.

Acting headteacher Claire Bignell and headteacher Lisa Hunt said: “Both the school and the Trust (Cirrus Primary Academy Trust) were delighted that the work and dedication of the whole school community has been recognized by Ofsted.

“We were proud that our culture, which allows everyone to be their best, shone through.”