Crags Community School, located in Maltby, Rotherham, underwent an inspection on February 27 and 28, 2024. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as requiring improvement, with specific areas of strength and weakness identified. The quality of education was also deemed to require improvement, while behavior and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management were rated as good. The early years provision was similarly rated as good.
Under the leadership of headteacher Elizabeth Normington, the school is part of the Nexus Multi-Academy Trust, which involves shared responsibilities among various stakeholders, including the CEO Warren Carratt and the board of directors chaired by Andrew Child MBE. The school fosters a calm and supportive environment for students and their families, with strong communication between parents and staff. This partnership begins in the early years with initiatives like stay and play and reading events, which help parents engage in their children's education.
In the early years, children adapt to routines exceptionally well and develop reading skills early on. However, the report notes that this strong foundation does not consistently translate into success in other areas of English, particularly in reading and writing, where some pupils lack confidence. Relationships within the school are strong, contributing to a positive atmosphere where pupils are generally happy and engaged in their learning. The school maintains high expectations for student behavior and academic performance, which most pupils meet.
The school provides numerous opportunities for pupils to demonstrate leadership, such as through initiatives like the artists in residence and the mini-police program, which encourages environmental responsibility. Leaders have a comprehensive understanding of the community's needs and have effectively addressed the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on ensuring that pupils remain engaged in their education.
Despite the strengths in early reading and communication, the school faces challenges in other aspects of English. In 2023, pupils' outcomes in reading and writing were below the national average. While there is a curriculum in place for English, its implementation is inconsistent, leading to some pupils struggling with basic skills. Leaders are aware of these issues and are working to improve the teaching of English alongside early reading and mathematics.
Mathematics outcomes were also low in 2023, but current pupils are making progress in building their mathematical knowledge. Teachers follow the curriculum and address gaps in understanding when necessary. In subjects like art and design, pupils produce high-quality work, indicating effective teaching in those areas. However, there are instances where learning activities do not align with the curriculum, hindering knowledge accumulation.
The school has effective systems for identifying and supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). While some pupils with SEND face challenges in written English, the school provides adequate support across subjects, enabling them to succeed. The focus on improving spoken language benefits all pupils.
Pupils engage in various extracurricular activities, fostering their enjoyment of the arts and promoting respect for diversity. The school has successfully improved attendance and engagement levels among families, and pupils with SEND feel well-supported. Staff express high job satisfaction, with many teachers transitioning from other roles within the school to teaching.
The safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. The inspection highlighted areas for improvement, particularly in English, where tasks need to be broken down into manageable steps to enhance pupil understanding. Handwriting instruction is inconsistent, affecting pupils' confidence in writing. Leaders are encouraged to provide ongoing training for teachers to select appropriate learning activities that align with the curriculum and support pupil development effectively.
