Cherry Tree School, located in Lymm, Warrington, Cheshire, was inspected on December 5 and 6, 2023. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as good, with specific areas such as behavior and attitudes, and personal development receiving outstanding ratings. The quality of education and early years provision were also rated as good, while leadership and management were assessed as good. The school had previously been rated outstanding in its last inspection 14 years ago, reflecting a significant period without routine inspections due to legal exemptions.
Pupils at Cherry Tree School exhibit enthusiasm for attending school, embodying the school’s motto of bringing out the best in each other. The nurturing environment fosters a sense of safety and well-being, allowing students to express their opinions freely. The exemplary conduct of the pupils is a testament to the high expectations set by the school, which they typically meet. The curriculum is well-structured, enabling all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, to succeed.
The school offers an exceptional range of opportunities for personal development, ensuring that pupils leave as confident and considerate individuals. They engage in various leadership roles and participate in practical activities, such as growing and selling produce from the school allotment, which teaches them about enterprise. The curriculum is designed to be balanced and comprehensive, with staff demonstrating confidence in teaching a wide array of subjects. Most pupils learn effectively across the curriculum, although there are some areas where assessment strategies could be improved to better identify and address misconceptions in vocabulary knowledge.
The early years provision is engaging, helping children settle into school routines quickly. However, the school has not yet established a clear vocabulary framework for early years pupils, which occasionally leads to missed learning opportunities. Despite this, pupils are generally well-prepared for their next stages of education. The school has successfully cultivated a love of reading, with pupils expressing enjoyment in recommending books and participating in library activities. Phonics instruction begins in the Reception class, and staff are well-trained to support pupils in developing their reading skills.
The school effectively identifies and supports pupils with special educational needs, collaborating with parents and external agencies to provide necessary assistance. The high expectations and established routines contribute to excellent behavior among pupils, who model the nurturing behaviors encouraged by staff. The school promotes respect for diverse faiths and opinions, offering a wide range of enrichment activities tailored to meet pupils' needs.
Governance at Cherry Tree School is effective, with governors providing both challenge and support to enhance the quality of education. Staff feel valued and supported in their roles, contributing to a positive school culture. Safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring the safety and well-being of all pupils.
To improve further, the school should focus on enhancing the assessment of vocabulary knowledge in a few subjects to ensure all pupils have a secure understanding. Additionally, refining the vocabulary curriculum for early years pupils will help build their knowledge over time. Overall, Cherry Tree School demonstrates a commitment to providing a high-quality education and fostering the personal development of its pupils.
