Welcome to Swaffham Church of England Primary Academy's website.  If you require a paper copy of any information on our website then please contact the school office 01760 721831.

 'With knowledge, anything is possible.'

Our vision is to inspire children, their families and our staff to SHINE, LEARN, BELIEVE and BELONG so our children achieve their very best, leaving us as confident, happy, resilient learners.

We have taken time with our children, their families, our staff and governors to create our vision and consider what this means day to day in our school.  We call this 'The SPA Way.'  We were delighted in our recent Ofsted inspection (June 2023) that the inspectors could see our school vision and values in action:

When reporting on pupils' behaviour, Ofsted stated,

'They understand the SPA Way and the school's values of being ready, respectful and safe.  These underpin all aspects of school life.'

We feel that the following biblical scripture represents our vision:

'So I say to you:  Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.  For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.'   Luke 11:9-10

Ofsted June 2023, 

'Pupils enjoy coming to school both to learn and to spend time with their friends.'

'Pupils take pride in their achievements.  They enjoy celebrating these in lessons and in regular celebration assemblies.'

'Pupils have frequent opportunities to develop their learning and experiences beyond the classroom.'

'Pupils feel safe and are happy in school.'

'Pupils know that the adults will help with any worries they may have.'

Our vision is underpinned by 3 core principles which are important to us:

Trust- one of the core ingredients of teamwork.

Everyone has a voice- powerful learning happens when we talk it through together.

Inclusion- every child is unique.  Barriers to participation are understood and overcome.

Ofsted 2023,

'Pupils have a good understanding of healthy relationships.  They have many opportunities to take on responsibilities.  These include school council and eco warriors.  Older pupils are play leaders. Such experiences help to develop pupils' confidence and prepare them to be active citizens.'

We have agreed the following three core values which are at the heart of everything we do: 

RESPECT, TEAMWORK and CHALLENGE.

Alongside our core values, we have identified the following additional values which are important to us in terms of how we behave towards one another and in 'how we do things around here in our school.'

We are READY to learn, RESPECTFUL and SAFE.

Our school became Swaffham Church of England Primary Academy on the 1st of September 2020 when we took in our first reception class of children.  Previously, our school was a junior school.  We are a one form entry school with classes from Reception to Year 6 all named by the children on the theme of endangered British wildlife:  Little Terns, Tortoiseshell Butterflies, Water Voles, Curlews, Hedgehogs, Kingfishers, Corncrakes and Bumble Bees- our bespoke provision.

We were delighted to welcome Ofsted to our school in June 2023 for our first inspection as a primary school and were thrilled that they recognised our school is a GOOD school.  

Ofsted June 2023,

'Leaders have thought carefully about the curriculum they have constructed,  It is ambitious and well sequenced from Reception to Year 6.  This ensures that learning builds year on year.'

'The teaching of reading has high priority.  Staff are well trained and deliver the school's chosen phonics scheme effectively...As a result, most are fluent readers by the end of Year 1.'

'Provision for pupils with special educational needs and/ or disabilities is effective.  Leaders identify pupils' needs early and accurately.'

'Skilled adults deliver support effectively.'

'The curriculum ensures pupils learn about their own lives and those of others.  Pupils show tolerance of differences.'

'A wide variety of visits and other activities supplement classroom learning.  Many pupils learn a musical instrument.  Such activities help to bring learning to life and broaden pupils' horizons.'

'Governors and Trustees are knowledgeable about the school.'

'Leaders and teachers know pupils and their families well.'

'Pupils learn how to keep themselves safe when working online or offline and in their community.'

As part of the Diocese of Norwich Education and Academies Trust (DNEAT), we benefit from a high level of support and expertise from our Trust and the other 36 academies within it.  Through our Trust's focus on staff professional development, collaborative working and ambitious aspirations for all, our pupils receive the highest quality of teaching and learning and opportunities to work with pupils across other schools within the Trust and also within the Swaffham Cluster.

Our school is set within attractive, extensive grounds which include a brand new inviting Early Years Foundation Stage, Year 1 classroom and outside learning area.

Additionally, we have an extensive school field, 2 garden areas and 2 gazebos which provide shelter whilst our children play and learn outside.

We are very excited about the continued journey for our school's development this year as we launch our brand new Forest Schools curriculum and our bespoke provision for pupils with social, emotional and mental health special educational needs.  

We encourage our children to develop lively and enquiring minds, learning through a rich and stimulating curriculum with involvement in practical and meaningful activities.  We aim to create a warm, friendly and caring environment where children between the ages of 4 and 11 can flourish, enjoy learning and achieve success as they SHINE, LEARN, BELIEVE and BELONG.

As a Christian school, we seek to provide an education which enables learners and adults to experience life in all its fullness.

Mrs Nicola Kaye, Headteacher