Rotherham Aspire

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 1 May 2024

The school provides pupils with the care, support and knowledge they need when other forms of education have not been successful for them. The school's principles of every day being a new day, and pupils being supported with joy, kindness and care, are apparent across the school's three sites. There is a common understanding among the staff team that quickly forming positive relationships with pupils, and helping them to recognise and manage their behaviour, are fundamental to pupils' success. Pupils feel safe and valued. Staff subtly check on pupils' emotions and well-being. They spot when pupils are finding something challenging. They provide calm and reassuring support when pupils need it most. The school provides a curriculum that is rooted in pupils gaining the knowledge they need to be successful in life beyond the school. Pupils are used to talking about their futures. They are successful in their academic and vocational studies. They talk about how they have already started to apply the practical elements of their courses, such as catering, outside school. Many pupils know what they need to do to achieve their career ambitions.

What the school should improve

• The curriculum in subjects beyond English and mathematics is at the early stages of implementation. Well-defined curriculum plans are starting to be reflected in what pupils know and remember, but this is limited, particularly in key stage 3. The school has not decided how it will check on what pupils know in these subjects. The school should continue its work to establish a well-connected curriculum and assessment process and make sure that all staff are confident in its delivery.
• A significant proportion of pupils do not attend school well enough. They miss out on the education and experiences offered by the school. The school should continue to work with families, and promote the good quality of care and education at the school, so that families ensure their children come to school every day.

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