Caldew School, located in Dalston, Carlisle, has received a positive inspection report, reflecting significant improvements since its previous evaluation. The school is characterized by a strong sense of community, where pupils and students express pride in their school environment. They report feeling well-supported, happy, and safe, which is attributed to the high levels of trust and respect among pupils, students, and staff. The school promotes a culture of high expectations regarding behavior and learning, resulting in good conduct both in lessons and throughout the school premises. Pupils are encouraged to engage fully in their education, and they feel confident that any instances of bullying will be addressed promptly by school leaders.
The educational experience at Caldew School is enriched by a diverse range of opportunities, including musical performances, clubs, and activities that foster collaboration across different year groups. Notably, the school farm provides unique learning experiences, allowing pupils to engage in hands-on activities such as raising chicks and caring for various animals. This practical approach contributes to the overall achievement of pupils and students.
Leadership at Caldew School has made commendable strides in enhancing the educational environment. The school has developed a broad and ambitious curriculum tailored to meet the needs of all students, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Effective assessment strategies are employed to ensure that pupils grasp and retain essential knowledge. The inclusion of pupils in the specially resourced autism provision is a testament to the school’s commitment to supporting diverse learning needs, with these pupils also achieving well.
The school has established robust systems to identify and support pupils who may struggle with reading, particularly in key stage three. However, there is a noted gap in the support provided to key stage four pupils facing similar challenges, which affects their ability to access the curriculum effectively. This area requires attention to ensure that all students receive the necessary assistance to develop their reading skills.
Behavior within the school is generally positive, with rare disruptions reported during lessons. Pupils and students feel comfortable reporting any concerns to trusted adults, confident that their issues will be taken seriously. The school has implemented effective attendance improvement strategies, utilizing various support methods to encourage regular attendance.
Caldew School also emphasizes personal development, particularly for pupils in key stages three and four, preparing them for future challenges. However, the personal development program for sixth-form students lacks the same level of structure and effectiveness, indicating a need for enhancement in this area.
Community engagement is a strong aspect of the school, with pupils actively participating in charitable activities and various clubs, including sports and music. While attendance at these clubs has not yet returned to pre-pandemic levels, efforts are underway to increase participation.
Careers guidance is provided from Year seven through Year thirteen, equipping students with the necessary skills and knowledge for their future pathways. The governing body plays a crucial role in challenging school leaders and ensuring that decisions are made in the best interests of the students.
The safeguarding measures in place are effective, fostering a culture of safety and vigilance among staff and students. Regular training and updates ensure that all members of the school community are aware of safeguarding protocols.
In summary, Caldew School has made significant progress in various areas, creating a supportive and effective learning environment. However, attention is needed to enhance reading support for key stage four pupils and to strengthen the personal development program for sixth-form students.
