Chestnut Grove Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 12 March 2024

Pupils at Chestnut Grove are happy and appreciate being part of this innovative, outward looking school. They enjoy the opportunities to develop their talents across the curriculum, as well as through the wider enrichment programme. The school helps pupils to develop positivity, resilience, open-mindedness, unity and determination. These values are captured in the word 'PROUD', which aptly describes their feelings about Chestnut Grove. Pupils are kept safe at school, and they trust staff to care for them, challenge them and widen their horizons. Leaders have high expectations of learning and behaviour. Pupils, and students in the sixth form, study an ambitious curriculum and achieve highly, responding well to leaders' high expectations. Many go on to Russell Group universities, and others to fulfilling careers, which are often in creative industries. Pupils behave respectfully and with courtesy. This is a kind school, where diversity is celebrated. Bullying and derogatory behaviour is rare and is quickly addressed by staff should it occur. Pupils and students are well prepared for adult life and responsible citizenship as well as the next stage of their education, employment or training. What does the school do well and what does it need to do better The recently revised curriculum is knowledge-rich and exceeds the content of what is expected nationally. Its vision is global, incorporating a variety of cultural traditions. Topics are well sequenced to help pupils build on prior learning. Teachers' strong subject knowledge ensures that new ideas and concepts are introduced and explained with precision. Assessment is used effectively to check pupils' understanding and to address any misconceptions. This helps to ensure that pupils typically develop a depth of knowledge across the curriculum they learn. Teachers make appropriate adaptions so that pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) can access the same curriculum as their peers. These pupils enjoy learning, and they achieve well from their different starting points. Staff help promote self-confidence and emotional well-being as well as academic success. Pupils, including those with SEND, are effusive about the way the school has helped them develop. The school has put reading and the acquisition of vocabulary at the heart of its work. The curriculum is designed to help pupils learn about where words come from and how they have developed over time. Leaders expect all teachers to develop pupils' fluency, confidence and enjoyment in reading. Phonics is well taught to groups of children who are new to, or struggle with, reading. A consistent approach ensures that these pupils catch up quickly and read with increasing accuracy and fluency. As a result, pupils read widely and often. Pupils understand and embody the high standards of behaviour expected. Any rare incidents of low-level disruption in lessons is swiftly dealt with. Behaviour around the site and outside in the playground is calm. The school uses a plethora of strategies to promote and improve attendance. Staff work closely with external agencies to bring pupils into school. This work is having success with many individuals. The provision for pupils' personal development is very strong. The curriculum is designed to help pupils learn about keeping healthy and safe and important issues, such as respectful relationships, human rights and democracy. All pupils benefit from a very effective programme of careers education, advice and guidance. There is a wide range of extracurricular opportunities, including chess, Manga, netball, football and film, which are well attended. Pupils with SEND participate fully in school journeys to London, as well as further afield to Iceland, Paris and Dorset. Leaders, governors and trustees communicate well with the local community and stakeholders. They understand and fulfil their statutory obligations. They engage positively with staff and take a proactive approach in supporting their well-being, employing effective strategies to reduce workload.

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