Ambition is at the heart of Axminster Community Primary Academy. Staff aim to make sure that every pupil reaches their full potential. Pupils who spoke with inspectors said that the school has improved considerably. They say that the staff are kind and caring. Pupils’ behaviour is good. Pupils told us that, on rare occasions, some pupils find it difficult to manage their behaviour. Nevertheless, when this happens they say that adults manage any disruption very well. It is the same with bullying. Pupils told us that bullying incidents are rare. If it does occur, staff deal with it swiftly. Pupils are confident that adults keep them safe from harm. High expectations permeate the school. This has not always been the case. Pupils are keen to learn and enjoy the curriculum. They speak positively of the additional enrichment opportunities. Every pupil learns to play at least one musical instrument. Pupils are particularly complimentary about the wide range of after-school clubs. Parents and carers are overwhelmingly positive about the changes that have taken place. A typical comment that encapsulated many was, ‘The school has improved significantly. Staff have created a happy and positive environment in which my children can thrive.’ What does the school do well and what does it need to do better? The quality of education is good. Leaders, including governors, have successfully steered the school through a challenging period. The curriculum covers the knowledge and skills required. Leaders have ambitious plans in place to develop the foundation subjects further. In subjects where these plans are being realised, pupils achieve well. Pupils’ knowledge of modern languages is of a high standard. This is because the curriculum is well planned. Pupils in key stage 1 secure key concepts early. This prepares them well for modern languages in key stage 2. Geography and history are similar. However, not all subjects are as well organised. Leaders have appropriate plans in place to address this. Many of the staff are new to their careers. They appreciate the training and support they receive from leaders. Those new to curriculum leadership are growing into their roles. However, these colleagues need further training so that they can be more effective. The more experienced leaders for mathematics and English are ambitious for their subjects. They check regularly that teachers follow well-structured plans. The organisation of the curriculum enables pupils to revisit key concepts. Teachers do not progress within subject curriculums until pupils’ learning is secure. Curriculum leaders make sure that children in the early years secure the fundamental core knowledge and skills to be successful in Year 1. This prepares children well for the next stage of their education. Staff go by the motto ‘a rising tide raises all ships’. Inspection report: Axminster Community Primary Academy 21–22 January 2020 2 The early years leader ensures that children who enter the school with knowledge and skills below what would be expected catch up quickly. There is a relentless focus on developing children’s language. Leaders have invested in an early years special educational needs coordinator. This is having a positive impact on children’s development. The classroom is a hive of activity. Outdoor learning promotes children’s physical development well. During the inspection, children were keen for an inspector to ‘cross the sea’ using planks and tyres. Children are inquisitive and want to learn. This is because staff instil a thirst for learning and curiosity. Teachers know their pupils well. Staff expect pupils to behave and work hard. They set high expectations and promote resilience. This includes pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). During lessons, we saw how teachers include pupils with SEND in lessons and activities. Planning is adapted to ensure that these pupils achieve in line with their abilities. Teachers monitor additional support closely and adjust it accordingly. Leaders provide a wide range of opportunities for pupils to realise their aspirations. This includes visits to Exeter university. They ensure pupils learn how to be a good citizen. Through their ‘Axminster Six’ programme, pupils develop essential life skills which prepare them for life in modern Britain. Pupils are very positive about the programme. One pupil said that he now wants to be a police officer. Reading is at the core of the curriculum. The subject leader has successfully implemented strategies to develop a love of reading. This includes investment into books and training. Children in the Reception class get off to a flying start. Staff teach phonics three times a day to help children who are behind to catch up. This continues into key stage 1. However, some of the books for pupils who find reading challenging are not closely matched to their reading ability. This hampers their capacity to read confidently and fluently.