Pupils at a primary school in Chaddesen have described the school as their “second family” during a recent Ofsted inspection which judged the school as being ‘Good’.
Lead inspector Stephen Long said pupils showed each other and adults respect and were making positive contributions through being ‘mini leaders’, members of the eco council and school reading ambassadors.
The inspection report stated: ”Pupils describe the school as their second family”.
Leaders at Cherry Tree Hill Primary School in Lime Grove were also praised for the ambitious curriculum they have created for pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), and the support provided so they can access this full curriculum.
The excellent behaviour of pupils and the focus on reading at the school were also praised.
Head teacher Paul Appleton, said it was proof to him and his team that they had focussed on the right areas following Covid.
“I was really pleased with the comments about reading and excellent behaviour and it proved to me that, following the pandemic, we have focused on the right things: reading, mental health and extra-curricular activities. Now we have got the confirmation from Ofsted that is in place, we can push forward and enrich the curriculum even further.”
Systems for rewarding children were also highlighted in the report, particularly the “pupil passports”. These include activities pupils complete before they leave school, such as watching a sunset, baking bread, climbing a tree and posting a letter.
Mr Appleton said this again had helped pupils following the pandemic, and was a wonderful piece of work to look back on when they moved up to senior school.
“We wanted the children to have more experiences of school than just the academic side. We want children to leave being well rounded citizens and the passports are part of that.
“The passports are all done in school and our curriculum is built around them so children can achieve these rewards during their eight years with us and when they finish in Year 6 they can look back and see pictures of something they drew when they were three compared to 10 and can look back at their stamps.”
The school was last inspected in 2018 when it was also judged as good. It joined the Odyssey Collaborative Trust in April 2019.
Chief Executive Officer of the Trust, Ian Dewes, said: “It is fantastic to see the excellent work of Paul and the team at Cherry Tree Hill Primary School acknowledged in this glowing report. We are extremely proud of all the work the staff, pupils and parent/carer body have put it. Well done!”
