Valley Road Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 18 October 2022

This is a warm and welcoming school. Leaders make sure that pupils and staff are valued as members of the school community. Staff look after pupils well. Staff take the time to listen to pupils who have any concerns. Pupils are happy and feel safe. Parents are very positive about the school. They especially enjoy the craft afternoons, where parents and carers are invited into school to work with their children, promoting the school's 'working together' approach. Leaders have high expectations of pupils. Pupils work hard and find their lessons interesting. For example, older pupils talked about how their learning around historical events has helped them to understand the way modern Britain has come to have such varied cultures represented. Nursery and Reception children enjoy learning indoors and outdoors. Children demonstrated how they practise what they are learning in mathematics and communication and language through a variety of themed areas relating to autumn, Halloween and the stories they have been sharing. Leaders know where more work is needed to further develop the curriculum in small areas of the school. Leaders are working to develop the curriculum for those with the most complex special educational needs. Leaders include a range of different experiences for pupils across the curriculum. These help pupils develop an understanding of the world beyond their local area. Pupils are respectful of staff and each other. Pupils talk about the school's values, which are being respectful, tolerant and kind. These values underpin the school's personal, social, health and citizenship programme. Pupils take part in a very wide range of activities. These include trips and visits to local beaches, farms and museums, as well as various sporting events. These activities support the development of pupils' personal skills well. Older pupils understand the protected characteristics. Bullying is rare, but pupils know that if it happens, staff will help sort it out quickly. Pupils who need additional help in lessons are supported well by staff.

What the school should improve

• The school's curriculum is not delivered as well as it needs to a small number of pupils with complex special educational needs. This means that pupils are not making as much progress as they could. It is clear from leaders' actions that they are in the process of bringing about change to address this issue. Leaders need to complete their review of curriculum delivery across the school and implement their planned improvements within the identified timescale.

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