Cloudside Academy

Overview

Cloudside Academy is described as an inclusive school where pupils feel safe, valued, and develop a strong sense of belonging. Leaders have established a fully inclusive culture with high aspirations for all pupils, particularly those facing barriers to learning or wellbeing. The report highlights effective leadership, a well-designed curriculum, and strong outcomes in reading and writing, though it notes specific areas for refinement in teaching practice and behaviour.

Strengths

• Leaders have created a "fully inclusive culture" with "highly effective systems" to quickly assess and support pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities.
• Pupils achieve well in reading and writing, with outcomes "above national averages," and produce "high-quality work" that evidences progress over time.
• Staff are "well trained" and use "carefully chosen strategies" to support pupil wellbeing and behaviour, resulting in "calm and purposeful classroom environments."
• The personal development curriculum is "well-considered," helping pupils gain essential life knowledge, such as managing money and understanding healthy relationships.
• Parents and carers are "generally positive" about the education and support offered, and staff report feeling "well supported and valued."

Areas to improve

• Leaders should refine teachers’ expertise so they "consistently make informed and precise pedagogical choices" to secure the best outcomes.
• Leaders should continue working to ensure all pupils understand how to "consistently make positive behaviour choices without being reminded."

Safeguarding

The safeguarding standards are met, with leaders establishing an "open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility" and concerns are actively identified and managed.