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Chester school given 'good' rating by Ofsted

The inspector said 'pupils are happy and polite. They feel safe and well cared for at school'

Zainab Noor

InYourArea Community, Zainab Noor

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Chester school given 'good' rating by Ofsted

GOOD REPORT:The Grosvenor Park Church of England Academy on Union Street, Chester (Picture: Google Street View)

Written by David Norbury

Leaders at a Cheshire West and Chester school have high expectations of all pupils’ achievements and behaviour, Ofsted believes.

The conclusion was reached at The Grosvenor Park Church of England Academy on Union Street, Chester, by His Majesty's Inspector (HMI) Kelly Butler following a two-day inspection.

Finding the overall effectiveness of the school was Good, the HMI said the same applied to the quality of education, the behaviour and attitudes of the pupils, their personal development, the leadership and management of the school and the early years provision.

"Pupils are happy and polite," said the inspector. "They feel safe and well cared for at school. Staff know their pupils and families well and tailor support to meet their needs."

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'High expectations' of all pupils’ achievements and behaviour includes those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Pupils live up to these expectations and have 'positive attitudes' to learning. They work hard and behave well.

The youngsters enjoy a range of activities that develop their talents and interests in music and art which are said to be 'extremely popular'. They also attend a wide variety of clubs, including choir, dance and sports clubs.

The children enjoy the 'many opportunities' that are provided to extend their learning outside the classroom and visit cultural attractions such as museums, galleries and theatres. In many subjects, a curriculum has been created which carefully builds up the knowledge that pupils need to know and remember which supports their strong achievement.

The school has ensured that reading has 'a high profile' and pupils become increasingly confident and fluent. Children in the early years enjoy listening to the wide range of books that their teachers read while older pupils enjoy daily, quiet reading times. Pupils who are new to the school, including those who have recently arrived in the country and speak little English, are made to feel welcome and safe as soon as they arrive.

Children told inspectors that, at their school, 'everyone is equal and that being different makes everyone special'. Leaders, governors and members of the academy trust work together to ensure that pupils achieve well.

To improve the inspector made two suggestions, in a few subjects expectations of what pupils should know and when this knowledge should be taught and ensuring staff have the knowledge and expertise to help pupils with SEND learn the same ambitious curriculum as other pupils in the school.

The academy has 196 pupils age 4 to 11 and is part of the North West Academies Trust and the Church of England Diocese of Chester.

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