Derby city centre school celebrates first Ofsted inspection and it's 'outstanding'

It got the top rating in each of the five areas inspected

Staff and pupils at an inner-city Derby school are celebrating after Ofsted awarded them "outstanding" in its very first inspection. Castleward Spencer Academy currently teaches 122 pupils from nursery through to Year 3 after first opening its doors three years ago.

The inspectors, who visited the Canal Street school in July, have just published their report, which starts with: "Castleward Spencer Academy is a haven for all pupils. As soon as the doors open each morning they start to learn." They go on to praise the "broad and rich" curriculum, saying that it has been "crafted with exceptional care". Staff were also recognised for delivering the curriculum with expertise.

The school’s expectations for pupils’ behaviour were described as "second to none" and it was noted how "leaders take time to understand how pupils are feeling" so that “pupils learn to describe their emotions and have a range of strategies at their fingertips to help them when they do not feel ready to learn".

The report further celebrates the care provided by staff at the academy, with inspectors expressing how "leaders are passionate that each and every pupil will experience success" and acknowledging how staff "respond intelligently to the ever-changing needs of the pupils that this new school serves".

The systems for identifying pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) at Castleward were also observed, with inspectors commenting how the school "has an excellent understanding of the best way to support these pupils. Carefully designed and bespoke adaptations are made so that pupils with SEND can access the curriculum. Pupils with SEND make strong progress and do well."

"Delighted" principal Lindsay Trail said: "It has been an honour and a privilege to lead Castleward Spencer from the day of opening through to its first Ofsted inspection. The hard work and commitment of our staff have enabled us to create a bespoke education for the children.

"This in turn means that they have developed a real love for learning, which is evident for all to see. We are delighted to be awarded 'outstanding' and would like to thank the many families and professionals who have supported the school over the first three years."

The inspectors also noted that parents and carers appreciate the kindness and practical help the school offers to them and their children. One parent summarised these views when they said: "I love the atmosphere that this school has created and couldn’t be happier that my child is attending this wonderful school."

Kate Green, Spencer Academies Trust director of primary education, said: “We are delighted for the children, families and staff at Castleward Spencer. This school is a shining example of how a culture of excellence can build a true love for learning. We agree that it is the 'best of the best' and couldn’t be prouder."

And Paul West, chief exec of Spencer Academies Trust, added: "Castleward Spencer Academy is a remarkable school, I’m delighted that the commitment to excellence that pervades all aspects of the school has been recognised by Ofsted in their first ever inspection. The report captures the dedication of Castleward’s entire staff team, and the recognition of their achievement is much deserved."

The Derby school will be one of the last to be inspected using the single-word judgement scheme. The overall single-word grading was scrapped by the Government recently. Ofsted will continue to inspect schools against the same standards, but will now only issue gradings related to individual aspects of performance.

Education professionals had been divided on whether one overall grade could sum up the complexity of a school. This debate took on new urgency after head Ruth Perry took her own life after her school slipped from "outstanding" to "inadequate".