Edwinstree Church of England Middle School

Overview

Edwinstree Church of England Middle School continues to be a good school, having maintained its standing since the previous inspection. Pupils value the breadth of the curriculum and the diversity within the community, feeling safe and well-prepared for their transition to upper school. Despite recent staffing turbulence, the school has ensured pupils experience an ambitious curriculum with clear knowledge sequencing.

Strengths

• Pupils make good progress and are "well prepared to move on with confidence" to the next stage of their education.
• The pupil-led dynamic diversity group actively promotes "respectful relationships and celebrating individual differences."
• Staff adjust learning activities so that pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities can "access the same curriculum as their peers."
• Previous gaps in the progress of disadvantaged pupils and those with SEND are closing due to "successful interventions and improving attendance."
• Staff feel supported by leaders who "prioritise their well-being," contributing to a positive school culture.

Areas to improve

• Teachers’ checks on learning are not always precise enough in clarifying "exactly what they need to do to continue to improve," meaning some pupils do not make as much progress as they could.
• Communications between the school and home are not routinely strong enough, particularly for parents of pupils with SEND, leading to frustration when parents are "unclear about the reasons underpinning important decisions."

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.