Calder Lodge School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 11 June 2024

Pupils are exceptionally proud to be members of Calder Lodge School. They develop strong and trusting bonds with each other and staff. Pupils understand that they should treat each other respectfully. They manage their emotions especially well and behave responsibly. Pupils' have regard for others. This helps to ensure that the school is calm and purposeful. Many pupils have not had positive learning experiences in their previous school. Some pupils have had long periods out of education prior to joining this school. However, the school is determined that pupils will succeed. Most pupils live up to staff's high aspirations. These pupils excel in their learning. Pupils support many different worthy causes. For example, they enjoy coming to school dressed in their own clothes to raise funds for different cancer and children's charities. Also, pupils like to engage with residents in a local residential home through shared art and craft activities. Pupils have an especially strong appreciation of fundamental British values, including those of democracy and the rule of law. They learn about and celebrate various cultural and religious events, including Shavuot, Eid and Diwali. Pupils are happy at school. The enjoy the many rich and exciting opportunities available to them. Visits to castles, farms, museums and galleries enrich pupils' learning experiences. Pupils are encouraged to develop hobbies and skills through swimming, archery, horticulture and outdoor adventurous activities.

What the school should improve

• In a few subjects, staff do not revisit and reinforce pupils' previous learning to make sure that it has been remembered and understood. This hinders the progress that some pupils make through the curriculum. The school should ensure that staff routinely check that pupils have learned and remembered key knowledge and correct any misconceptions so that pupils build their learning securely over time.
• The school's phonics programme is not delivered consistently well by staff. As a result of this, some pupils are not developing their phonics knowledge and early reading skills as quickly as they should. The school should ensure that staff receive the training and support that they need to deliver the new phonics programme effectively.

Read the full Ofsted report (opens in a new tab)