Esland Grantham School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 30 January 2024

Esland Grantham School is an inclusive, nurturing school where pupils are happy and feel safe. Staff are caring and attentive to pupils' needs. They make sure that every decision is made with pupils' best interests at heart. Pupils typically enjoy school. One pupil, echoing the views of others, said, 'Pupils have a real voice here. If you have your own way of learning, the teachers take this into account.' Pupils develop positive relationships with each other and with the staff. They benefit from well-established routines. Each morning, staff warmly welcome pupils. This is followed routinely by various activities, such as breakfast club and time in 'the hub' with their friends. This helps pupils to feel settled for the school day and ready for learning. Staff want the best for pupils. There are high expectations of pupils' behaviour and learning. Pupils live up to these expectations. Staff help pupils to learn in a way that is meaningful to them. The school encourages pupils to prepare for their next stage of education. Pupils go on outings to help build their independence, for example to the local shops and parks. Pupils enjoy enrichment activities. These include rock climbing and visits to the local gym.

What the school should improve

• Staff regularly check pupils' learning to identify the knowledge they understand and skills that pupils can practise. On occasions, staff do not use what these checks tell them to help fill gaps in pupils' knowledge or provide the precise support to improve pupils' skills. As a result, some pupils' knowledge or skills do not develop as securely as they could. The school should ensure that all staff know how to adapt their teaching, or the support they provide, to help all pupils become successful learners.

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