The Shirestone Academy

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils, their parents and carers, and school staff talk about being part of 'one big family' at Shirestone Academy. Parents speak positively about the care and support their children receive at school.

Pupils are happy, feel safe and simply love coming to school.

There is a real buzz about learning here. Pupils work hard and achieve very well across the curriculum. All pupils benefit from the rich variety of opportunities the school gives to them.

There is much pride in the school among its pupils. They say they are cared for, listened to and recognised as individuals. They welcome visitors to school warmly and love to talk about everything they are doing..../>
The school is helping them to become secure, confident, resilient learners who are active members of this vibrant school community.

Relationships between pupils and staff at this school are exceptional and contribute to the warm, caring culture. Pupils are kind, respectful and supportive of one another.

The school sets high expectations of pupils' behaviour. Behaviour that falls short of these expectations or that disrupts learning is rare. Pupils say that if they behave poorly, adults sensitively help them to improve.

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

The school has designed and implemented an exciting, ambitious curriculum. Leaders have been meticulous in ensuring that the curriculum in all subjects is just right for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Pupils are taught to become resilient in their learning from a young age.

In lessons, it stands out that pupils are always willing to 'give it a go' and they show perseverance when things get difficult. This is because pupils know that mistakes are a part of learning and that adults will help them overcome any obstacles. Pupils' attitudes to learning are exemplary.

Staff are extremely well supported by leaders. The school gives help and training to teachers so that they know how best to deliver the curriculum to engage and inspire pupils. Teachers teach the right things, at the right time, in the right way.

They have high aspirations for pupils. Pupils achieve well across the curriculum, particularly excelling in mathematics and English.

Children get off to a flying start in Nursery and Reception.

They quickly become settled into the routines and expectations of school and always have smiles on their faces. Staff are experts in helping children build their social and emotional skills. Communication and language are priorities from the start.

Adults spend their time talking with children and have an intrinsic understanding of how best to encourage children to join in.

Pupils quickly grasp an understanding of how to use phonics to help them read because of how well adults guide them. Staff spot pupils who fall behind or are struggling with any aspect of reading.

They put support in place quickly, which prevents pupils from falling further behind.

As pupils become independent readers, they enjoy reading and achieve exceptionally well. They are inspired by the books that adults read to them.

Teachers choose books carefully and these often fit seamlessly with learning in other subjects. For instance, pupils were keen to explain that they had enjoyed a book set during wartime because of how much they knew from their history topic. They choose books to read because of the recommendations that teachers and friends make.

Pupils learn about becoming active citizens who play their part in society. Whether it is raising money for local charities, becoming house captains or organising playtime equipment for others, pupils also make an active contribution to school life. They always ask others how they are and wish them a happy day.

Pupils know about the importance of respecting others and recognising discrimination related to people's differences including race, religion and gender. Pupils also understand how to stay safe in the real world and online.

The school is at the heart of the community.

It has been successful in engaging parents to be active and valued partners in their children's education. Events held at school, such as the family craft sessions, are well attended and demonstrate the positive relationships that exist between the school and the families it serves.

The trust is effective in supporting the school to continually reflect on how well it provides for pupils.

The trust, the community council and the school share a strong vision, ethos and purpose. Leaders at all levels make ongoing checks on the school's performance to ensure that the school moves forward.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.