Castleward Spencer Academy

Overview

Castleward Spencer Academy is described as a “haven for all pupils” where leaders demonstrate a “strong moral purpose” to ensure every child experiences success. The school fosters an environment where pupils are “happy, safe and secure,” built upon “respectful relationships” and high levels of care from staff.

Strengths

• Leaders have crafted a “broad and rich curriculum” with “exceptional care,” ensuring pupils develop knowledge “step by step” for deeper understanding.
• Behaviour expectations are “second to none,” with pupils learning to describe emotions and using strategies to manage feelings when not ready to learn.
• Staff deliver the curriculum with expertise, using assessment “exceptionally well” to identify learning gaps and provide “swift and targeted support.”
• The school has “robust systems” for supporting pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), making “bespoke adaptations” so they can access the curriculum.
• Reading is prioritised as “the gift of reading,” with effective phonics instruction and an “inviting school library” that encourages pupils to enjoy books.

Areas to improve

• The report identifies no significant areas for improvement.

Safeguarding

The report states that “the arrangements for safeguarding are effective.”