Castle EAST School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils thrive at this inspirational school. There is restless ambition from everyone to ensure that pupils' needs are catered for and that they achieve well. Pupils love coming to school and are proud to be members of the school community.

This is because of the kindness, care and help they receive from staff.

High expectations and mutual respect underpin relationships between staff and pupils. Behaviour is exemplary.

Pupils are given the tools and help they need to work well alongside their peers and contribute positively to the life of the school.

Pupils relish the additional opportunities that the school has designed for them. This includes visits... to the local community such as the church, library and theatre.

Pupils are proud to have their work displayed in local exhibitions and shows. Through these experiences pupils develop independence and resilience.

The school's impact on pupils' academic and personal development is remarkable.

Parents are effusive about the difference the school has made for their children, with many describing it as 'transformational'.

What does the school do well and what does it need to do better?

The school has created an ambitious curriculum that is well adapted to meet the needs of pupils. The curriculum is of a consistently high quality across subjects including head, heart and hands (3H) and personal, social and health education (PSHE).

Through this curriculum pupils achieve well, regardless of their starting points. They are well prepared for their next steps and life beyond the school.

Teachers are well trained.

They combine strong subject knowledge with their understanding of pupils' needs to teach the curriculum highly effectively. Teachers break subject content down into small steps. They use their expert knowledge of the curriculum to ensure that pupils secure these steps before moving on to learn more complex content.

This ensures that pupils progress through the curriculum successfully.

The school has a created a culture of very positive behaviour. Staff are highly skilled in helping pupils meet these expectations.

They use what they know about pupils to act swiftly to ensure that pupils stay focused on learning. Pupils learn ways to manage their own behaviour. They use these strategies effectively.

Pupils get on well outside of lessons and around the school. They play and socialise well together both in organised activities and unstructured time.

Many pupils join the school with a history of high absence.

The school works with families and pupils effectively to understand the barriers to good attendance. A range of strategies are used to create bespoke support to help pupils attend school regularly. These are highly effective in reducing absence.

The school has designed a rich and varied programme of additional opportunities for pupils to experience. These complement the curriculum. They give pupils authentic opportunities to interact with, and contribute to, their local community.

Pupils have access to a broad range of clubs, that are well attended by all. Many pupils take leading roles in helping to support these activities.

Pupils have a comprehensive and well-planned careers programme.

This includes bespoke work experience opportunities to cater for pupils' individual ambitions. Older pupils get the information and help they need to make the right choices for their next steps. This includes visits to local colleges.

Reading is given a high priority. The school has created the culture, incentives and opportunities that inspires pupils to read. The well-used library is bustling with pupils at breaktimes and at lunchtime.

Pupils who find reading more difficult are given the help they need to read well.

Leaders, governors and trustees have a clear, shared vision of success. They work together closely to ensure the very best for pupils and staff.

Staff are proud to work at the school. They feel valued and are supported well.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.