Primary school proves to be a ‘tower of strength’
A primary academy has proven to be a ‘tower of strength’, winning high praise from official school inspectors. The Nunthorpe-based Chandler Ridge Academy, which is part of the Spark Education Trust, secured six ‘strong’ gradings in its latest Ofsted report.
These included the areas of achievement, attendance and behaviour, curriculum and teaching, inclusion, leadership and governance and personal development and wellbeing.
Inspectors described the school as ‘welcoming’. They said: “Pupils are greeted by name and with a smile each morning. Pupils benefit from the positive relationships with staff who know them well and care for them. Most pupils attend regularly because they are happy to come to school. Pupils’ respectful behaviour and secure relationships contribute to them experiencing a sense of belonging at the school.”
Inspectors highlighted that pupils in all year groups achieved well from their starting points, developing a thorough knowledge and understanding across all subjects. They produced work of a high standard. Consequently, pupils, including disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, were very well prepared for the next stage of learning.
The report stated: “In national tests, pupils achieve above-average outcomes in reading, writing and mathematics. Disadvantaged pupils outperform their non-disadvantaged peers in reading and writing. In mathematics they are closing the gaps with their non-disadvantaged peers nationally.”
Inspectors noted that there was a ‘culture of attendance being everybody’s business’. Leaders had clear steps in place to manage expectations for pupils’ attendance. Leaders had also established a highly effective behaviour system that was consistently applied across the school. Pupils showed dedication to their work in lessons and pupils’ behaviour showed self-discipline.
Inspectors highlighted that leaders had designed a well-considered curriculum across all subjects so that pupils’ knowledge built as they progressed through the school.
“Teaching is highly effective, providing regular opportunities for pupils to revisit and practise prior learning,” the report said. “Leaders and staff are meticulous in their checks on how well pupils are learning, ensuring misconceptions are addressed and gaps in knowledge are quickly closed. Leaders ensure there is a sharp focus on reading, writing and mathematics in the curriculum. This helps pupils to become successful in other subjects.”
On inclusion, inspectors noted that the school was a ‘welcoming community where every pupil is valued and supported to succeed’. Leaders swiftly identified any barriers to learning and wellbeing and closely tracked pupils’ progress to monitor the impact of support and make timely changes when necessary.
Leadership and governance was also praised. Inspectors said: “Leaders, including governors, have a clear and ambitious vision for the school. They have successfully developed a culture of high achievement in which pupils thrive. Pupils, staff, governors and parents alike express pride in being part of the school community.”
Inspectors highlighted a ‘thoughtfully designed personal development programme that aims to equip pupils with the knowledge, skills and attitude to become confident members of society’.
“Pupils benefit from opportunities that broaden their horizons and fully prepare them for life in modern Britain,” the report said. Pupils take pride in leadership roles, such as pupil parliament and play leaders. Through the academy’s ‘CREATE’ values, children leave the school as collaborative, respectful, empathetic, aspirational, tenacious individuals who pursue excellence in whatever they do.
Inspectors noted that children in early years got off to a secure start to their education. “Children concentrate well and are eager to learn,” inspectors said. “Caring staff look after children very well. Those with special educational needs and/or disabilities or other barriers to their learning are supported effectively and fully included in all activities.”
Head of Chandlers Ridge Academy Richard Thompson said: “This inspection outcome really is the product of the wider Chandlers family working together including children, parents, staff, governors, volunteers and the wider community. Everyone works with the children in the forefront of their mind. As a result, we generate excellent outcomes for our children both academically and in terms of enrichment and wellbeing. With everybody pulling in the same direction, we create the future for our children which they thoroughly deserve.”