Grange Lane: Inspectors grade it outstanding

Darton: Ofsted praises pupils

Ofsted inspectors judged Darton Academy ‘good’ with personal development ‘outstanding’.

An ambitious “high-quality curriculum”, fully accessible to all pupils, had been developed and carefully structured to support varying abilities.

The Academy offered a “broad range of extra-curricular educational opportunities that enhance pupils wider development extremely well”.

Delighted Principal Louise Chappell thanked staff, governors, parents/carers and Delta Academies Trust for their combined efforts on behalf of the children.

The full section 5 inspection judged as ‘outstanding’ the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management and early years provision. The Academy was previously rated ‘good’ four years ago.

“Inspectors have recognised the team effort that makes Grange Lane Infant Academy such a special place to learn and teach,” Louise said.

In concluding what the school does well, inspectors said that “exceptionally strong leadership ensures the success of pupils at this school.”

“Leaders have set an ambitious vision. They ensure that pupils experience an aspirational curriculum. This includes disadvantaged pupils and those with SEND.

The curriculum is designed to give all pupils the knowledge, values and life skills they need to be successful in the future.

Staff understand the needs of individual pupils, including those with SEND. They make sure that pupils who need it get extra support to help them achieve well.

There is clear passion from leaders and staff to give pupils a wide range of opportunities and experiences.

This ensures that pupils, including those with special educational needs/and or disabilities (SEND) and this who are disadvantaged, experience success. This creates a highly inclusive culture. As a result, pupils get off to an excellent start to their education”.

Inspectors said pupils at Grange Lane are kind, welcoming and polite.

“This can be felt as soon as you walk through the door. Pupils look after each other.

They show high levels of respect to each other and all adults, including visitors. High expectations of pupils’ behaviour ensures that all pupils feel happy, safe and well cared for. Pupils’ behaviour is exemplary.

The high quality personal, social and health education programme goes beyond what is expected.”

Ofsted said “parents are overwhelmingly supportive. They recognise that their children do well at this school”.

Louise said the Academy is overwhelmed, delighted but most of all proud.

“All our staff work extremely hard to ensure that children receive the best early years and Key Stage 1 education possible, in a happy, safe, and welcoming school.

I am delighted the inspectors saw this on their visit and would like to thank everyone for their input.”

Chief Executive Officer at Delta Academies Trust Paul Tarn said: “Grange Lane is one of those jewels where children thrive and develop in an immersive learning environment building knowledge and confidence.

When I visited the school, I was struck by the enthusiasm of the teachers and staff and the smiling children.”

The full report can be read here ofsted.gov.uk

Inspectors noted high quality EPC lessons during which pupils learn “important concepts, including fundamental British values”. Pupils “behave to a high standard” and “move around the site in a calm and organised manner”.

Principal at the time of the inspection was Anna Rooney. Joe Spencer is now Associate Principal.

He said: “Our pupils were a credit to us over the two-day inspection and their respect and kindness was noted. It is a real privilege to work with Darton pupils every day and rest assured that our hard work and dedication to providing the best education for all pupils in our community will not stop.

We will continually strive to further our development in making Darton Academy the best it can be.”