Churnet View Middle School, located in Leek, Staffordshire, has been recognized for its overall effectiveness as a good school following an inspection in February 2019. The leadership and management of the school are characterized by a passionate and ambitious team, including senior leaders and governors who work collaboratively to foster a dedicated environment for both staff and pupils. The school has seen significant improvements in various areas, such as behavior, attendance, and pupil progress over recent years. Leaders effectively utilize assessment information to identify pupils requiring additional support, ensuring that no student falls behind in their studies.
The curriculum at Churnet View is designed to enhance pupils' basic skills and personal development, preparing them well for their transition to high school at the end of Year 8. A strong culture of care and support is evident throughout the school, with staff committed to ensuring that pupils feel safe, happy, and well-cared for. However, the support provided by the Talentum Learning Trust has not been as effective for inexperienced senior leaders and governors, leading to some overly generous evaluations of the school's performance. Improvement plans have been noted as unclear, and training has not always been well-targeted.
Teaching quality is generally good, with teachers demonstrating strong subject knowledge and fostering positive relationships with pupils. This environment encourages pupils to engage actively in their learning. However, there are inconsistencies in the use of questioning techniques, which can hinder the depth of pupils' understanding. Additionally, some tasks are not always well-matched to pupils' abilities, leading to instances of distraction when work is not appropriately challenging.
Pupils make good progress across their four years at the school, particularly in subjects such as English and mathematics, with attainment levels showing considerable improvement. Disadvantaged pupils also benefit from effective teaching and targeted support, resulting in a narrowing of the attainment gap compared to their peers nationally. Most pupils exhibit good behavior in lessons and enjoy their learning, although some low-level disruptions occur when tasks do not align with their abilities.
The school environment is calm and orderly, with pupils demonstrating maturity and respect during break times and throughout the school day. Attendance has improved and is now above the national average for secondary schools, with significant progress noted among disadvantaged pupils. The school has successfully integrated pupils who have faced challenges in previous educational settings, providing them with the necessary support to thrive.
To further enhance its effectiveness, the school aims to improve teaching practices to ensure that all pupils make strong progress across all subjects. This includes planning activities that challenge high-attaining pupils while providing adequate support for those with special educational needs. Additionally, leadership evaluations need to be evidence-based and accurate, with targeted training for staff to address specific areas of need. The school is committed to fostering an inclusive environment where all pupils can succeed and develop their potential.
