Ofsted praises ‘effective action’ to improve Yaxley primary

Inspectors carried out a remote inspection of William de Yaxley Church of England Academy in Landsdowne Road after it had received two successive judgements of ‘requires improvement’.

And in her written judgement, Maureen Su said: “Having considered all the evidence and taking into account the impact of Covid-19 (coronavirus) on the school, I am of the opinion that at this time: leaders and those responsible for governance are taking effective action to provide education in the current circumstances”.

Eight separate points of praise were identified, including:

. Leaders developing the curriculum

. A higher level of pupil attendance than normal

. Teachers identifying gaps in pupils’ knowledge following the end of lockdown

. Extra reading support where required

. Good contact with vulnerable pupils and mental health support

. Praise for the special educational needs coordinator

. Praise for the governors

. Good support for staff.

Further action needs to be taken to ensure all subject leaders have a full understanding of their role and responsibilities and to ensure all teachers understand how to best meet the needs of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, the report added.

Since the previous inspection in February 2020, the head of school has left and has not been replaced.

At the time of this inspection 99 per cent of pupils were in school.

The academy is part of the Diocese of Ely Multi-Academy Trust.