A Stroud primary school has received a strong report from Ofsted after inspectors praised its progress, inclusive approach and “calm, focused learning atmosphere”.
Lift Callowell met the Expected Standard in every area assessed during its latest inspection. The areas included achievement, attendance and behaviour, curriculum and teaching, early years, inclusion, leadership and governance, and personal development and wellbeing.
The school officially joined Lift Schools earlier this year. Ofsted described it as “an inclusive place to learn”, reporting that pupils are making progress across the curriculum.
Progress across subjects and year groups
Inspectors said pupils’ progress could be seen in their current work and in national assessments. This included disadvantaged pupils and pupils with special educational needs or disabilities.
A high proportion of pupils were also reported to achieve the expected standard in the Year 1 phonics check. By the end of Year 6, pupils achieve broadly in line with national averages in reading, writing and mathematics.
Ofsted described the curriculum as “ambitious and logically ordered”. Inspectors said pupils were increasingly able to remember and connect what they had learned in different subjects.
The school’s early years provision was highlighted separately. Children were said to benefit from warm relationships with staff and a wide range of indoor and outdoor activities. Staff promote independence from the beginning, with children leaving early years well prepared for Year 1, according to the report.
Behaviour, wellbeing and inclusion
Behaviour was another key strength identified by inspectors. They praised the school’s consistent and positive culture, high expectations and trusting relationships between staff and pupils.
Pupils were described as enthusiastic learners who take pride in their work. They understand the importance of being “ready” to learn and “respectful” towards others, the report said.
Inspectors found that behaviour had improved considerably over time, resulting in very few suspensions. The report also praised the school’s approach to inclusion, including the early identification of additional needs and tailored support to help pupils take part fully in lessons.
Pupils’ welfare sits at the heart of the school’s personal development programme.
Through its ‘5 Ways to Wellbeing’ approach, the school teaches pupils about maintaining their mental and physical health, managing emotions and supporting others.
Pupils also take part in enrichment activities including sports, gardening, country dancing and activities in the school’s forest area. Inspectors said these experiences broaden pupils’ interests, improve wellbeing and help children develop independence and teamwork.
Leaders look to build on improvements
The Ofsted report recognised the work of school leaders, trustees and the local school development board. Inspectors said they had acted decisively over the past two years to strengthen curriculum design, consistency in teaching and inclusion systems.
Most parents and carers said they would recommend the school to others, with many recognising the improvements made in recent years.
Principal Joe Roberts said the report recognised the “positive culture and environment” created at Lift Callowell.
We are delighted that Ofsted has recognised the progress made across Lift Callowell and especially the positive culture and environment we have worked hard to create.
Inspectors recognised that Lift Callowell is an inclusive place to learn, that pupils enjoy learning and that their welfare sits at the heart of our personal development programme.
These are things that matter hugely to us as a school.
Mr Roberts thanked the school team, families, local community and others who had supported the school, saying the progress was the result of the commitment and hard work of many people.
He said joining Lift Schools marked “an exciting time” for the school. The trust was described as ambitious and forward-thinking, with support and expertise that Lift Callowell could draw on as it continued to build on its foundations.
Ruth Murad, Director of Primary Education for Lift Schools, said the school had made impressive progress and that it was “fantastic” to see this recognised by Ofsted. She said the trust looked forward to supporting the school, its staff and community as they built on that progress.
Prospective families will have an opportunity to visit Lift Callowell at Open Mornings on November 12 and November 19. The sessions will provide information about the school’s provision, including early years.