St George’s CVA continues to be a Good school and could be judged Outstanding, according to Ofsted.
Following a two-day ungraded inspection in March, inspectors said there was enough evidence of improved performance to suggest that the school could be judged Outstanding if a graded inspection was to be carried out at that time.
During ungraded inspections Ofsted do not give graded judgements but if they find evidence that a school would now receive a higher or lower grade, they will usually carry out a graded inspection within one to two years.
Rachael Snowdon-Poole, Headteacher at St George’s in Littleover, said: “I am incredibly proud to lead such a wonderful team of staff and to work with our amazing pupils. The inspectors saw what we see every day and I am delighted that they have recognised the quality of the education on offer to all of our pupils. I would like to thank our whole school community for the part that they play in our success and to also thank the St. Ralph Sherwin CMAT who have offered us the most amazing support on our journey together as a school.”
Inspectors praised school leaders and said they were, “very ambitious for all associated with the school to succeed.”
They particularly praised the well-thought-out curriculum and how the school’s mission statement of, ‘Grow in faith, have faith in growing’, encourages pupils to “develop into confident individuals who enjoy learning.”
Behaviour was praised by inspectors who noted that the school is a “very calm and ordered place” with “high expectations of behaviour”, where pupils get on well with each other and are proud to be part of the school. The report said: “As a consequence, they love coming to school.”
Support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities was found to be strong, with the report stating that, “Pupils with SEND are well supported within class. Expectations are high for them and they achieve well.”
The school’s inclusive approach was also highly praised, “There is a powerful sense of respect for one another and celebration of difference. As one parent stated: ‘I really appreciate how the school promotes British and Christian values in a multi-ethnic and multicultural environment.’”
The report noted that pupils learn to read as soon as they start school and that well trained staff provide focused support.
“Pupils understand the significance of learning to read. One pupil said: “Reading is an escape to another world. When I pick up a book it expands my mind.”’
The school’s knowledge based and well sequenced curriculum received particular recognition:
“Leaders have identified the key knowledge pupils need to learn, remember and use. Staff expertly shape learning activities to engage and hook pupils. Probing questions challenge thinking. As a consequence, pupils’ attitudes to their learning, and work, are strong,” the report said.
The very youngest children in school make an excellent start to their education.
Inspectors said: “Carefully crafted learning activities develop independence. Adults’ interactions with children challenge children’s thinking. Children collaborate well and show high levels of resilience and perseverance. They are keen and excited to share their learning with others. Children achieve well.”
The wider curriculum offer and programme of personal development was also celebrated, “Pupils have many opportunities to develop character and personality within school. There are a wide range of clubs and activities on offer.”
Kevin Gritton, Chief Executive of the St Ralph Sherwin Trust, said: “Well done to all of the staff, governors and pupils at St George’s for a superb outcome. While inspectors found that the school continued to be Good, they were keen to point out that they feel the school could be Outstanding and are looking to bring forward their next inspection. This is fantastic news and well done to everyone involved.”
