Chetwynde School, located in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, has recently undergone an inspection on November 7 and 8, 2023, resulting in an overall effectiveness rating of good. The school has shown significant improvement since its previous inspection, which rated it as requiring improvement. The headteacher, Stephen Jefferson, leads the school, which is part of the South Cumbria Multi-Academy Trust, overseen by CEO Andrew Wren and a board of trustees chaired by Phil Huck.
Pupils at Chetwynde School enjoy being part of a close-knit community where staff are attentive to their needs. The school fosters a calm and orderly atmosphere, allowing students to thrive academically and socially. High expectations are set for all pupils, and they are well-supported to achieve these goals. The school emphasizes the importance of respect, responsibility, and resilience, which contributes to positive relationships among students and staff. Incidents of unkindness are addressed appropriately, ensuring a supportive environment.
The curriculum at Chetwynde School is broad and balanced, with staff demonstrating secure subject knowledge. Teachers provide clear explanations and well-matched tasks, enabling pupils to learn effectively. Early years provision is particularly strong, with children benefiting from play-based learning and adult interaction. Assessment strategies are effectively used to identify pupils' knowledge and understanding, allowing for targeted support, especially for those with special educational needs and disabilities.
Despite the overall positive findings, the inspection highlighted areas for improvement. Some pupils do not acquire new knowledge as securely as they should due to insufficiently focused support on their specific knowledge gaps. Additionally, while the school has implemented a new early reading program, the proportion of Year 1 pupils meeting the expected standard in phonics was below the national average in 2023. The school is actively addressing this by training staff to deliver the new program effectively.
Pupils are encouraged to engage in extracurricular activities, which help develop their confidence and talents. They particularly enjoy participating in school productions and singing events. However, many pupils do not read for pleasure as often as they should, limiting their exposure to a diverse range of texts and hindering their reading fluency and comprehension.
The school has established effective safeguarding arrangements, ensuring the safety and well-being of all pupils. The local governing body and trust leaders are actively involved in supporting and challenging the school, contributing to its ongoing development.
Chetwynde School maintains strong communication with parents and carers, keeping them informed about their children's education and addressing their concerns. The school is committed to fostering an inclusive environment where all pupils, including those with SEND, are integrated into all aspects of school life and benefit from enrichment opportunities.
In summary, Chetwynde School has made commendable progress since its last inspection, demonstrating good overall effectiveness in various areas, including the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, early years provision, and leadership and management. Continued focus on addressing specific knowledge gaps and promoting a culture of reading for pleasure will further enhance the educational experience for all pupils.
