Cliffdale Primary Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 18 November 2025

Pupils love school, attend regularly and thrive in its inclusive and nurturing environment. They join their teachers and classmates enthusiastically at the start of the school day. The school's values underpin all aspects of school life. Staff establish warm, respectful and caring relationships with pupils. As a result, pupils feel valued, comfortable and safe. All pupils have special educational needs and/or disabilities and leaders work very effectively to reduce the considerable barriers to learning experienced by pupils. Consequently, pupils make notable progress through the curriculum from their different starting points. They achieve highly and are well prepared for their next steps. Pupils play a full part in school life, participating in a wide range of activities, such as soft play, sensory activities and the 'gym centre'. Pupils are understandably proud of the certificates and rewards they earn. The school's success in equipping pupils with strategies to communicate their ideas and preferences makes an important contribution to their safety, wellbeing and personal development. 'Skills for life' trips help pupils to learn important life skills, such as how to take a bus trip, visit the local shops or post a letter. Pupils treat each other with kindness. They make friends and enjoy playing together during breaktimes. Pupils are supported to understand their feelings and reflect on their behaviour. They learn strategies to manage their emotions when able to do so. For example, pupils are comfortable indicating to staff if they are anxious or upset. Staff are alert to any changes in behaviour or how a pupil’s behaviour may affect others. Staff know pupils extremely well.

What the school should improve

• Leaders and those responsible for governance should sustain the effectiveness of their work in all areas. They should seek continued improvement, overcoming barriers and challenges, in order to drive a transformational impact for all pupils. This includes disadvantaged pupils, who are known (or previously known) to children’s social care, and those who may face other barriers to their learning and/or wellbeing.

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