Esteem South Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 24 January 2023

Pupils who attend South Derbyshire have not always had the best start to their education or to their school careers. However, this school provides them with another chance and the opportunity to gain appropriate GCSE qualifications. Staff also improve pupils' self-esteem and self-confidence. This work helps to prepare pupils well for their return to mainstream education. Pupils say that they are happy and safe here. They like the structure, stability and the routines. Staff are skilled in taking the time to get to know the pupils and to understand their individual needs. Pupils appreciate this sensitive and caring approach. Staff expect pupils to attend frequently, work hard and behave well. Overall, they do. Pupils' attendance and behaviour improve when compared to their previous school or setting. Any rare instances of bullying are dealt with swiftly and fairly. There are chances for pupils to visit the local amenities and places of interest. Specialist visitors help to educate pupils on, for example, the dangers of knife crime and gang culture. Parents and carers tend to hold positive views. One typical comment was, 'The teachers have nurtured and helped my child learn to self-regulate and gain social and emotional skills. They are now ready to return to mainstream [education].'

What the school should improve

• Leaders have a well-thought-through behaviour policy. However, not all staff always follow it. Rewards and sanctions are not consistently applied. Consequently, pupils are sometimes unsure about what they can and cannot do. Leaders should ensure that all staff consistently implement the school's behaviour policy so that rewards and sanctions are applied fairly and appropriately during the day.
• The governing body have made a good start in ensuring that their statutory duties are met. They are at the very early stages of finding out for themselves how well the school is doing. However, they are too reliant on the headteacher for this information. The governing body should introduce a comprehensive programme that enables them to gather information at first-hand and therefore hold leaders fully to account for their actions.

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