Ofsted conducted a monitoring inspection of Chaucer School on March 26 and 27, 2024, as part of its ongoing assessment following the school's designation for special measures in June 2022. The purpose of this inspection was to evaluate the progress made by the school since the last graded inspection, focusing on the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management.
The inspection revealed that while leaders have made some progress in improving the school, further efforts are required for it to be removed from special measures. The school is now in a position to appoint early career teachers, indicating a positive step towards enhancing its teaching staff. However, the school must continue to implement strategies to improve pupil attendance and enact plans to enhance reading skills among students.
During the inspection, discussions were held with senior leaders, trustees, governors, and improvement partners regarding the actions taken to address previous shortcomings. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic was also considered, as it continues to affect educational outcomes. Observations of lessons, meetings with staff and pupils, and analysis of survey responses from parents and staff contributed to the overall assessment.
The school has a full complement of staff across all subject areas, and the curriculum is being refined and improved. Leaders are engaging with other educational leaders to enhance curriculum development and assessment practices. However, variability in teaching quality remains a concern, although professional development for teachers is well-structured and implemented.
Chaucer School's values of respect, responsibility, and kindness are becoming more embedded within the school community, providing clarity and consistency for staff, pupils, and families. The focus on improving attendance is beginning to yield results, but attendance levels still fall short of the school's aspirations. Positive changes in pupil behavior and attitudes have been noted, with the introduction of the Chaucer Way establishing clear behavioral expectations. Pupil movement around the school has become calmer, and interactions among pupils and staff are more respectful.
Despite these improvements, the number of pupils absent from school remains high, resulting in significant learning loss. The inspection highlighted that pupils take pride in their school environment, with reduced litter and displays promoting positive aspects of school life. The personal development curriculum is being implemented effectively, with a clear focus on the planned content.
Governance has seen some changes, with two governors resigning and the school actively seeking new appointments. The governing body continues to access training to enhance their effectiveness and challenge school leaders. Communication between the governing body, trustees, and school leadership is well-established, contributing to a more cohesive approach to school improvement.
The school is refining its processes and systems to better support the community, including improvements in safeguarding practices. The designated safeguarding lead and team have made adjustments to ensure timely and appropriate support for pupils' individual needs. The school remains open to external support, which provides additional training and resources.
In summary, while Chaucer School has made notable progress since the last inspection, it must continue to address attendance issues and enhance the quality of education to fully meet the standards required for removal from special measures. The commitment of leaders, staff, and the governing body is evident, and ongoing efforts will be crucial in achieving sustained improvement.
