Churnet View Middle School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 3 December 2024

Pupils enjoy school and attend regularly. Leaders want all pupils to do well. Although standards in reading and mathematics were low in Year 6 in 2024, most pupils are well prepared for high school by the time they leave in Year 8. The school has worked successfully to make sure the lesson content is accessible to pupils from their different starting points or learning needs. Pupils had a say in the school's behaviour commitments, known as the 'five bees'. These are: 'be safe, be kind, be ready, be respectful and be the best you can be'. Consistently applied routines and high expectations ensure lessons are largely free of low-level disruptive behaviour. The corridors are calm. Pupils line up impeccably during the 'check in' and 'check out' at the start and end of the day. Pupils feel safe and report that if an incident occurs, staff deal with it well. The school has significantly reduced the number of suspensions. Pupils take on responsibilities as prefects or ambassadors and sports council leaders and officiate at local sporting events in the community. Older pupils act as reading mentors. Pupils enjoyed their trips such as to Uttoxeter racecourse. They benefit from additional activities such as the school's fitness club and sensory and nurture club.

What the school should improve

• Standards in reading and mathematics were below average at the end of Year 6, reflecting pupils' low starting points in Year 5. This means that a number of pupils are not ready for Year 7 and require additional support. Leaders should ensure their focus on reading and mathematics continues to improve standards by the end of key stage 2.
• In some instances, pupils become disengaged when they have either finished the work quickly or have got stuck and are waiting for help. This leads to lost learning time. The school should ensure that pupils receive work that is matched to their needs.

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