Lift Callowell

Strengths

• All inspected areas are judged at the expected standard, with safeguarding standards met.
• Leaders, trustees and the local school development board provide effective strategic direction and have strengthened curriculum, teaching and inclusion.
• Pupils achieve broadly in line with national averages in reading, writing and mathematics by the end of Year 6.
• Phonics outcomes are above average, and pupils read with growing fluency.
• The curriculum is ambitious, logically ordered for mixed-age classes and supported by research-informed teaching.
• Pupils with SEND are identified early and receive tailored support to learn alongside their peers.
• The pupil premium strategy is implemented precisely, helping disadvantaged pupils access interventions, clubs and trips.
• Behaviour has improved considerably, suspensions are very few, and pupils are calm, respectful and ready to learn.
• Attendance is improving, persistent absence has reduced markedly, and leaders track patterns closely.
• Early years children get off to a positive start and leave well prepared for Year 1.
• Personal development and wellbeing are strong, including the ‘5 ways to wellbeing’ and ‘5 to Thrive’ values.
• Pupils take on responsibilities, support one another and develop into thoughtful, well-rounded young citizens.

Areas for Improvement

• Writing remains a priority: accuracy and quality vary for some pupils, and some have not secured letter formation, handwriting and spelling.
• Some continuous provision activities are not purposeful enough to build on children’s learning needs across the curriculum.
• Overall absence remains above the national average, although it is improving and persistent absence is low.
• Leaders need to continue targeting attendance work so more pupils benefit from sustained learning over time.

• Primary Schools
• Secondary Schools