OFSTED last inspected the school in March 2023, following a period of significant change for the school. 

Whilst the overall judgement was ‘Requires Improvement', this was based on one area of the inspection alone, with all the other areas of school being graded ‘Good’. Both the governors and myself, as Headteacher, were happy that the report was a fair and accurate judgement of where the school was at that moment of time. We have been on exciting journey of change and improvement since September 2022 and are incredibly proud of the hard work that has gone into the journey!

There are overwhelming strengths and positives from the report, which acknowledges the rapid improvements that have been implemented in a short space of time – and for that, I am incredibly proud of the staff and children for how they have stepped up to the mark and moved so swiftly to make positive changes. The areas for improvement following the inspection were already identified by leaders prior to the inspection and this level of school self-evaluation was also identified as a strength.

Key strengths identified in the report are as follows:

• School leaders have worked closely with the local authority to bring about rapid improvements. The impact of this work is already clear in pupils’ achievement.
• The support for pupils with special educational needs (SEND) is strong. Pupils get the support and intervention they need to be successful.
• Children in the early years benefit from an ambitious curriculum and knowledgeable staff. Children get off to a good start that prepare them for learning in Year 1.
• The curriculum for early reading and mathematics is ambitious and well established.
• Governors are ambitious for pupils. They are working closely with the local authority to secure further improvements.
• Leaders have ensured there is a strong culture of safeguarding. Leaders are tenacious in seeking help for pupils.

What we need to do next:

• Continue to embed the new curriculum.
• Embed our approaches to the learning of basic number skills and concepts.
• Develop children’s direct experience of other faiths and cultures.

The support that is in place from staff and leaders at Christ Church CE (VA) Junior School has been another real strength identified in the report. For context, Christ Church was inspected at the beginning of March 2023, and has remained a ‘Good’ school, so please be reassured that the support in place is making a real difference. This support will continue as we continue to work innovatively, sharing staff and expertise across both schools.

You can read the report in full both below and on the Ofsted website

Parent View Results can be found on the Ofsted website