Ofsted rates junior school in Chilwell as 'Outstanding' in all areas

A Nottinghamshire headteacher says 'everything we do, we do for the children - and not for Ofsted', as the school is rated Outstanding in all areas once again. Eskdale Junior School in Chilwell has been recognised as Oustanding by Ofsted since 2010 and has recently been found to be maintaining its high standards.

Headteacher, Robin Scruton, has worked at the school since 2011 and has watched it develop and improve over the years. He feels that the school's "uniqueness" is why it does so well, as its values and ethos are an "intricate" part of the school and are considered in all decisions.

The school has more than 200 pupils between the ages of seven and 11-years-old, all of which know the 'big five' values. These include skills and knowledge for life, take care, aim high, respond to challenge and self-discipline.

Ofsted inspectors recently inspected the school on Tuesday, October 1 and Wednesday, October 2, 2024. The education watchdog found the school to be outstanding for its quality of education, behaviours and attitudes, personal development and leadership and management.

The school was also previously rated Oustanding in all areas during its last full inspection in 2013. Speaking about the inspection, Mr Scruton feels that Ofsted recognised the school for how it is on the day-to-day, adding: "We do it for the children, we don't do it for Ofsted."

The staff's goal is to make school a "fantastic experience" for the children, and even when they get outstanding inspections like this, he wants to think about what can be done even better and if there is anything else that can be introduced to further "enrich the children's experience."

He explained: "We have never been comfortable with staying still." In the report, the inspector noted: "The school has developed an ambitious curriculum that outlines the knowledge, skills and vocabulary pupils should learn and when. This supports teachers in delivering the curriculum exceptionally well.

"Teachers use their excellent subject knowledge to design activities that precisely match the intended learning. As a result, pupils securely build on their knowledge over time. Pupils, including those with SEND, make excellent progress through the curriculum. They produce high-quality work."

It continued: "The school is exceptionally well led and managed. Staff enjoy working at the school. They feel well supported with their workload and well-being. Parents and carers are positive about the care and the quality of education their children receive."

When asked how he felt about the inspection, Mr Scruton said that following his first inspection as headteacher for the school in 2013, he "walked around with a fantastic feeling that someone is recognising the hard work that everyone has been putting into the school, the staff, students and yourself."

This time he described the feeling as "pride" in the school and all of the adults and children that work to make it what it is. He feels the school has "a great group of people" and that the inspectors really saw everything that they work so hard to achieve and maintain.