On 9 December, Ofsted conducted a visit to Cheam High School, led by Her Majesty’s Inspector, Lisa Strong. This visit was part of a broader initiative to assess how schools are managing the return to full education following the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The visit was not an inspection in the traditional sense, as Ofsted is currently not providing graded judgments or conducting the full range of inspection activities. Instead, the focus was on gathering information about the school’s operations during the autumn term.
During the visit, discussions were held with the headteacher, Peter Naudi, senior leadership team members, and various middle leaders. However, due to protective measures in place, inspectors did not engage with pupils directly. The context of the visit is significant, as it aligns with Ofsted’s efforts to understand the impact of the pandemic on education and the steps schools are taking to support students.
Inspectors noted that Cheam High School had not experienced any year group bubbles self-isolating at the time of the visit. Since September 2020, only a small number of pupils had needed to work from home due to isolation requirements. The school continued to offer a full curriculum, although some pupils had limited access to specialist facilities, such as science labs. Leaders indicated plans to restore full access to these facilities in January 2021.
In September, teachers assessed the starting points of pupils across various subjects. In English and mathematics, new assessments were introduced for Year 7 students, and the school increased the number of Year 7 and 8 pupils receiving literacy interventions. An additional literacy coordinator was employed to further support these efforts. For Year 10 and 11 students, subject-specific intervention support was initiated earlier than usual, with additional assistance provided in English for Years 9 and 10, as well as for Year 11 pupils. In design and technology, adjustments were made to the examination schedule, allowing pupils to complete their assessed unit at the end of Year 11 instead of Year 10.
Year 12 and 13 students were reported to be completing all their exam subjects, with Year 13 mathematics students participating in small group catch-up classes during their free periods. The school ensured that all pupils who were self-isolating had access to remote education, with teachers uploading work for individual students. Those sent home in bubbles were able to attend live lessons and follow their regular timetable.
The information gathered during this visit will contribute to Ofsted’s national reporting, helping to inform the government and the education sector about the current state of schools. The visit did not reveal any significant concerns regarding the school’s operations. In cases where no major issues are identified, Ofsted typically publishes an inspection report on its website for parents and carers to access.
The insights shared by the school during this visit are valuable for shaping future educational policies. The letter summarizing the visit will be shared with various stakeholders, including the governing body, trustees, and local education authorities, and will also be made available on the Ofsted website. Overall, the visit highlighted the school’s commitment to maintaining educational standards and supporting its students during a challenging period.
