Curledge Street Academy, located in Paignton, Devon, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on December 13 and 14, 2023. Under the leadership of headteacher Jessica Humphrey, the school is part of The Thinking Schools Academy Trust, which provides additional oversight and support. The trust is led by CEO Stuart Gardner and a board of trustees chaired by Gerard Newman.
The school fosters a culture of high expectations for all pupils, which is evident in the collaborative efforts of school leaders and staff to deliver a broad and ambitious curriculum. Pupils express pride in their school, guided by the motto to be safe, kind, and ready, which promotes respectful behavior. Older students serve as role models, contributing to a positive atmosphere where low-level disruption is uncommon. The nurturing environment allows pupils to feel happy and secure, encouraging them to seek help from staff when needed. For those requiring additional support, the school offers specialized programs to help manage emotions and build resilience.
Curledge Street Academy provides a variety of extracurricular activities, including clubs for ukulele, line dancing, and cookery, as well as opportunities for the school choir to perform in the community. These activities play a significant role in developing pupils' character and confidence. The reading curriculum is introduced in nursery and is designed to be ambitious and progressive, ensuring that all children, including those who may struggle, receive the necessary support to become confident readers. The school emphasizes the importance of reading, ensuring that staff are well-trained to teach this essential skill.
The curriculum is carefully planned with clear objectives, allowing pupils to practice and retain knowledge over time. In mathematics, for instance, teachers adapt lessons to reinforce understanding before introducing new concepts. However, in a few subjects, assessment practices could be improved to better gauge pupil understanding, which may lead to gaps in knowledge. The school is committed to including pupils with special educational needs and disabilities in all aspects of school life, working closely with families to tailor learning to individual needs.
The early years program is particularly strong, focusing on developing communication and language skills through engaging and challenging activities. Staff emphasize self-care, teaching children essential habits such as brushing their teeth during the school day. Relationships between staff and pupils are a notable strength, with consistent modeling of behavior expectations leading to calm and respectful conduct throughout the school.
The school also prioritizes attendance, collaborating with parents to support families in ensuring their children attend regularly. This effort has resulted in improved attendance rates. The curriculum is comprehensive, addressing pupils' wider development and equipping them with knowledge about online safety and community risks. The school adapts its curriculum in response to current issues affecting pupils, ensuring relevance and engagement.
Staff report feeling supported by the trust, which considers their workload and well-being, contributing to a positive work environment. The safeguarding arrangements in place are effective, ensuring the safety and well-being of all pupils. Overall, Curledge Street Academy continues to demonstrate its commitment to providing a high-quality education, with a focus on nurturing and developing the whole child. The school is encouraged to enhance its assessment practices in certain subjects to further support pupil learning and understanding.
