Settlebeck School

Overview

Settlebeck School is described as a “nurturing and welcoming” environment where pupils are “happy and proud” to attend. The report highlights a “broad, balanced and ambitious curriculum” that supports high expectations for all learners, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities. Since the previous inspection, the school has strengthened its curriculum and reading provision, resulting in a positive culture where pupils behave considerately and attend regularly.

Strengths

• Pupils feel safe and supported by “trusted adults” who resolve problems “quickly and effectively.”
• Teachers possess “secure subject knowledge” and use effective strategies to deliver a well-designed curriculum.
• The school promotes reading well through initiatives like the ‘DEAL’ programme, helping pupils develop an “appreciation of the importance of reading.”
• Clear routines ensure lessons are “rarely disrupted,” creating an atmosphere where pupils can focus on learning.
• Staff workload and well-being are managed carefully, with staff appreciating the “useful training and development” provided.

Areas to improve

• In some subjects, approaches to checking what pupils know are “not used consistently well,” leading to gaps in knowledge that are not addressed quickly enough.
• The school should ensure teachers have the expertise to use assessment strategies effectively to identify and address emerging gaps in pupils’ knowledge in a timely way.

Safeguarding

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