CHEW Valley School is celebrating their recent Ofsted report following an inspection this May.

The inspection team identified a strong caring culture at the school that is part of the Lighthouse Schools Partnership, where pupils are “happy and enjoy their learning”.

This is the first time the school has been inspected under the new Ofsted framework in which a ‘scorecard’ across categories is produced instead of single word judgements for overall effectiveness.

The school’s approach to personal development and wellbeing and its sixth form provision were highly commended in the report, receiving a ‘strong standard’ from inspectors.

The report stated that staff knowledge and expertise support pupils as staff “know them (pupils) as individuals and there are warm relationships.” with staff providing effective support with learning or wellbeing challenges and as a result, “pupils feel cared for”.

The inspection found that: “Leaders ensure that personal development is central to pupils’ experiences at Chew Valley School. Learning about personal, social, health and economic education is planned carefully and taught very effectively in all key stages by trained staff.”

The Chew Valley sixth form was found to be welcoming and inclusive, “with very effective pastoral support. This means that (sixth form) students are very well prepared for later life and study.”

It was also recognised that “leaders have designed an appropriate curriculum that is broad and balanced”.

Support for pupils with additional needs is also effective: “the school has a wide range of effective support available for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND)” as “leaders have a clear commitment for all pupils to feel part of Chew Valley School. Staff identify the individual educational and pastoral needs of pupils when they join the school.”

Improving pupil attendance is an area for the school to improve with Ofsted recognising steps already taken: “Leaders have appropriate ambitions for more pupils to attend well. They have started to take action to improve attendance”.

Working closely with pupils and their families will be crucial in ensuring that the actions that have already been taken have a positive and sustained impact.

Attendance and behaviour now fall under one category within the inspection framework, however, behaviour was recorded as an area of strength at the school. “Leaders have ensured that there is a culture where high expectations of behaviour are the norm. They skilfully use a range of information, including about learning and behaviour, to develop a clear understanding of pupils' needs.”

Following publication of the report, headteacher, Mr Gareth Beynon, said: “I am pleased that the inspection team observed our commitment to providing a safe, inclusive and enriching environment where every individual can thrive.

“I am incredibly proud of our staff and students, whose dedication and enthusiasm make our school such a special place.”

Chief executive of Lighthouse Schools Partnership (LSP), Dr Gary Lewis, said: “This report highlights the strength of leadership, care and ambition that underpin Chew Valley School.

“We are fully committed to supporting the school as it continues to develop and deliver even greater outcomes for every pupil.”