English Martyrs’ Catholic Voluntary Academy has received a glowing Ofsted report after being inspected under the education watchdog’s new framework.
The school, in Long Eaton, achieved a ‘strong standard’ in six areas including attendance and behaviour, curriculum and teaching, early years, inclusion, leadership and governance and personal development and wellbeing. Achievement was said to be of ‘expected standard.’
Under the new framework for Ofsted inspections, a five-point scale – exceptional, strong standard, expected standard, needs attention, urgent improvement – is used to grade different areas of a provider’s work. An overall effectiveness grade is no longer given.
Expected standard means the school is fulfilling the standard of education and or/care while strong standard means that leaders are working above the standards expected of them.
Gemma Ellis, Headteacher, said: “We are extremely proud of this Ofsted report, which recognises the strong standards across our school and the calm, nurturing environment our pupils experience each day. As a Catholic school, our mission is rooted in Gospel values of love, respect and service, and inspectors rightly recognised the inclusive culture and high expectations that flow from this.
“We are committed to ensuring every child is known, valued and supported to flourish academically, socially and spiritually. This report reflects the dedication of our staff, the support of our families and governors, and the exemplary attitudes of our pupils.”
In their report, inspectors said that pupils thrive in the school’s caring and supportive environment.
They said: “This creates a deep sense of belonging and helps pupils to enjoy school life. Attendance is high because pupils feel happy, safe and motivated to learn. Most pupils achieve well across all subjects because staff set high expectations and provide consistently effective teaching. Pupils work hard, take pride in their learning and encourage each other to behave well to meet these expectations. They are ambitious for themselves and for their peers.”
Respect and inclusion are described as being central to school life and inspectors noted that staff and pupils treat each other kindly.
The school’s early years setting was praised by inspectors who said: “Children in the early years settle quickly into routines that promote positive learning habits. Well-planned provision ensures that children progress well, developing curiosity, independence and a love of learning.”
The report said that leaders had transformed the curriculum to be ambitious, well-designed and carefully sequenced across all subjects. This, combined with skilled teaching, ensures that pupils are well prepared for the future.
The report said that leaders have created a well-structured and extensive programme that helps pupils to develop confidence, resilience and the skills they need for life beyond school.
“Pupils speak with pride about their school and the opportunities it offers. The school’s ethos promotes kindness, empathy and acceptance. Pupils celebrate and respect difference,” inspectors said.
The school’s wide range of enrichment activities was highlighted in the report along with the varied leadership roles on offer to pupils, which allow them to “give something back.”
The school’s close working relationship with parents was praised in the report.
Inspectors said: “The school works closely with parents and carers to ensure that well-being and learning go hand in hand. Regular communication and shared goals ensure that pupils thrive. As a result, pupils leave as confident, caring individuals who are well prepared for the next stage of their education.”
Leaders have created a culture of high expectations and ambition that is evident across the school, according to the report. They have also established a highly inclusive culture where ambition for all pupils is clear and uncompromising.
