ST Albans Primary Academy has been highly praised by Ofsted following an inspection.

They visited the First Avenue school in October.

Their report states:

What is it like to attend this school?

St Alban’s core values of ‘learn together, grow together, and achieve together’ foster
collaboration and respect for all.

Pupils are polite and friendly and engage well in conversations. They warmly welcome visitors and take pride in sharing their achievements in this inclusive school.

Pupils thrive in this supportive and nurturing environment.

The school has set high expectations for everyone. Pupils understand the importance of
aspiration by working hard, wanting to succeed and attending regularly. Pupils are highly
engaged and learn well. Staff encourage pupils to express their feelings and concerns.
Adults are available to help with any worries, allowing pupils to develop their confidence
and character.

Pupils treat each other and adults with courtesy and kindness. If pupils need support to
improve their conduct, they receive it. Pupils feel safe in school. This helps to create a
happy and secure environment.

Pupils respect differences, cultures, faiths and values, recognising the importance of
equality for all. Pupils know how to keep themselves safe, both in their local community
and when online. The school offers a range of extra-curricular activities that allow pupils
to develop their interests and talents both competitively and for fun.

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

The school has implemented an ambitious curriculum, identifying key knowledge in each
subject. Starting from the early years, children benefit from a strong foundation through
well-planned learning and positive interactions with adults. They develop independence
and play cooperatively, listening attentively during adult-led sessions. Adults use effective
questioning and model vocabulary well to help extend learning and understanding.
Therefore, children are well-prepared for Year 1.

Most pupils remember their current learning well. For example, they use their knowledge
of the society in ancient Egypt when making comparisons with democracy in modern-day
Britain. Despite this, some pupils, including those who speak English as an additional
language and those who join the school at various times during the school year, can
struggle to link their previous knowledge to what they are learning now. This prevents
them from making as much progress as they could.

The school identifies the needs of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities
(SEND) accurately and promptly. Effective support is then provided, including from outside
agencies. Learning is adapted where necessary, allowing pupils with SEND to study
alongside their peers. The school has broken work into smaller units and appropriate,
additional resources have been deployed. Consequently, many pupils with SEND achieve
well.

Reading is a focus. Children start learning to read as soon as they start school. Teachers
use their training to deliver the phonics programme effectively. Children learn and
remember new sounds well. If pupils fall behind, they receive the help and support they
need to help them catch up quickly. Children who start in the early years and key stage 1
are often confident and fluent readers by the end of Year 4. Older pupils develop their
reading and comprehension skills through high-quality texts. These help them to foster an
understanding of diversity and protected characteristics.

The personal, social, health and economic education curriculum helps pupils to develop an
age-appropriate understanding of relationships and concepts such as difference. Pupils
are taught how to keep themselves safe. For example, Year 6 pupils receive community
safety guidance from the fire service. Leadership opportunities such as the school council,
chaplaincy team, reading champions, prefects and ‘mini-vinnies’ encourage pupils to take
on responsibilities and help to improve their school.

The school is a calm and orderly environment where pupils behave well. They readily
engage with their learning due to established routines. Pupils happily involve others when
they are playing outside and know the importance of friendships. The pupils attend here
frequently because they enjoy being at school.

Parents and carers hold the school in high regard, valuing its nurturing, inclusive
environment and the wide range of extra-curricular activities on offer.

Governors and trustees are well aware of the school’s strengths and development areas.
They provide appropriate support and challenge. The school prioritises staff workload and
well-being. This results in high staff morale and appreciation for the training opportunities
afforded to them.

Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

YH is hoping to catch up with the Executive Headteacher Mr Kendal and the Headteacher, Ms Black as soon as they are available.