Castel School gets good ratings across the board

The school received a number of positive comments in its first Ofsted inspection.

It was noted it had a nurturing and inclusive environment, and the school has high expectations for pupils to be confident, successful learners.

Its 363 students, aged between four and 11 years old, behave well, move around the school sensibly and calmly, and were seen to play harmoniously in the playground.

When it comes to lessons, pupils are developing their knowledge and understanding successfully over time, and they enjoy reading.

However, in some subjects, teachers were not checking how well pupils understand what they have been taught.

‘When this occurs, pupils move on to new content before they have a secure understanding of prior learning,’ the report states.

‘As a result, some pupils develop gaps in their knowledge.’

The school has been continuing to improve the provision for pupils with additional learning needs, however targets to support these pupils are at times not informative enough. Furthermore, the school does not routinely check the effectiveness of pupils’ learning plans.

Castel headteacher Pete Curtis was pleased with the report, which recognised many of the school’s positive traits.

‘I was particularly pleased that all our staff’s hard work around developing the curriculum was recognised by the inspectors,’ he said.

‘As ever with school inspections, there are things for us to focus on and continue improving, which I have no doubt we will collectively work on in the months ahead. To achieve gradings of good in all areas of the inspection is something I am proud of on behalf of the whole school community.’

Director of Education Nick Hynes said the report continued a trend of positive inspections.

‘This inspection report is something the whole school community should be proud of.’

The school was inspected in November.