Ernesettle Community School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Leaders, staff and governors are relentless in their pursuit of excellence. Regardless of pupils' starting points, high expectations and aspirations permeate the school. Leaders and staff ensure that all pupils are equipped with the necessary tools to reach their full potential and beyond.

By the time pupils leave Ernesettle, they achieve exceptionally well. Pupils who responded to the survey were very proud of their school. One pupil said, 'You simply cannot improve this school.'



Leaders and staff go above and beyond in preparing pupils as citizens in modern Britain. Pupils' work in the local community is humbling. One example, of many, is how pupils suppo...rt the local care home for adults suffering from dementia.

Leaders seize every opportunity to ensure that pupils embrace first-hand experiences.

Parents and carers are overwhelmingly positive about the school. One parent told us, 'the school is simply amazing.'

This view is typical of many parents.

Pupils' behaviour is impeccable. They told us that poor behaviour is simply not acceptable.

This is because a culture of learning is ingrained in the fabric of the school. Pupils also told us that bullying does not happen. They are extremely confident that if bullying did happen, it would not be tolerated.

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

The quality of education is outstanding. Many children start in Nursery with skills and abilities well below their age. During their time in school, all pupils make exceptional progress.

Leaders and teachers go above and beyond to ensure that pupils achieve great academic success. Pupils are remarkably well prepared for secondary school.

Behaviour and attitudes to learning are exemplary.

Pupils are extremely focused in lessons. Teachers have instilled a genuine thirst for and commitment to learning. This is reflected in pupils' very high attendance.

Teachers provide a curriculum that enables pupils to flourish. Pupils competently recall their knowledge and skills from other subjects. For example, in Year 2, pupils are able to compare Victorian houses with modern-day homes.

They use their knowledge of materials to compare and contrast building design and construction. In Year 6, pupils draw upon their relationship with a Ghanaian school that is closely linked to Ernesettle. Pupils use this knowledge and understanding of the wider world to debate topical issues, such as discrimination.

Reading is at the forefront of the curriculum. When children start in Nursery, staff take swift action to identify if they need additional speech and language support. Leaders waste no time in providing specialist support.

This ensures that any child who is behind catches up quickly. Once these fundamental skills have been established, children flourish. The teaching of early reading is very effective.

Teachers ensure that books match pupils' reading ability precisely. They organise reading books carefully to support pupils' understanding of the curriculum. Year 5 pupils can explain how the books they read help them in other subjects, such as science.

There are stringent systems in place to ensure that any pupil who joins the school, who is behind, catches up quickly.

Teachers organise work for pupils skilfully. This is because they know their pupils well.

Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) achieve exceptionally well, as do disadvantaged pupils.

There is a wealth of expertise within the school. A large proportion of the staff are national or specialist leaders in education who share their expertise with other schools.

Senior leaders have effective systems in place to continue to grow the next generation of leaders. Staff appreciate the development opportunities that they have. All staff are positive about the senior leadership of the school.

Staff morale is very high.

Governors are extremely committed to ensuring that pupils get the best possible deal. They are experienced and diligent.

They know their school, and the community it serves, very well. Collectively, they provide effective support and challenge in equal measure. They understand clearly the contextual challenges that leaders face.

One governor said, 'at times it can be like trying to climb Mount Everest in flip-flops.' However, this does not distract them from their core business.

The early years is a 'buzz' of excitement.

This is because staff design activities that stimulate children's interests. Staff are hyper-vigilant and unwavering in ensuring that children develop the necessary skills for Year 1. The curriculum is inspiring and motivating.

Children benefit from visitors from around the world, who share their knowledge of global cultures with staff so that staff can support children who are new to the United Kingdom effectively. These visitors and school staff sing songs and rhymes with the children. This helps children from other cultures settle quickly, establish warm relationships and be ready for learning.

Adults are particularly skilled in ensuring that children acquire the correct knowledge and skills for success.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective. Governors ensure that any development points from external audits are acted upon quickly.

Leaders provide regular and ongoing training so that staff can identify any pupil who may be at risk of harm. Leaders do all they can to keep pupils safe.

Pupils know how to stay safe.

They say that the computing curriculum has taught them how to stay safe online. Visits from national organisations, such as the NSPCC, provide pupils with welcome advice on how to respond if they feel at risk. They are adamant that staff have their best interests at heart.