Cloudside Academy, located in Sandiacre, Nottinghamshire, has been evaluated as a good school following its inspection on January 11 and 12, 2022. The school, which caters to pupils aged 7 to 11, has demonstrated a commitment to its core values of greatness, responsibility, optimism, wisdom, tolerance, and honesty, collectively referred to as GROWTH. This ethos is evident in the positive atmosphere within the school, where pupils feel safe and proud to be part of the community. The school environment is calm and purposeful, contributing to good behavior among students. Instances of bullying are reported to be rare, and when they do occur, staff members address them effectively, ensuring that all parties receive appropriate support.
Pupils at Cloudside Academy benefit from a variety of experiences and opportunities, including initiatives like the ‘job shop,’ which enhances their engagement and learning. Feedback from students indicates that they find school to be an enjoyable place, with many expressing that they would never be bored. Parents and carers have also voiced their satisfaction with the school, noting significant improvements over recent years and appreciating the range of extracurricular activities available. They recognize the school’s efforts to support the emotional well-being of each child while maintaining high expectations for academic achievement.
The leadership team at Cloudside Academy is dedicated to providing a high-quality education. They have designed an ambitious curriculum that emphasizes essential knowledge and key concepts across subjects. For instance, in history, the curriculum ensures that pupils learn about chronology consistently throughout their education. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has posed challenges, particularly in areas like religious education, where curriculum planning has been delayed.
Reading and literacy have been prioritized, with staff actively promoting a culture of reading throughout the school. Pupils report a love for reading, and the school has implemented phonics programs to assist those who may have fallen behind. As a result, pupils in Year 3 are making notable progress in their reading skills. The school’s staff are attentive to the needs of all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring that they receive the necessary support to thrive academically.
While the overall effectiveness of the school is commendable, there are areas identified for improvement. The assessment practices in foundation subjects need to be more consistent, as the effectiveness of checking pupils’ understanding varies. Leaders are encouraged to develop robust assessment methods across all subjects to ensure that essential knowledge is being learned and retained.
The safeguarding measures in place at Cloudside Academy are effective, with a strong culture of safety evident throughout the school. Staff are vigilant and responsive to any concerns regarding pupil welfare, collaborating with external agencies when necessary. The curriculum has been adapted to address local safeguarding risks, equipping pupils with the knowledge to keep themselves safe.
In summary, Cloudside Academy has established itself as a good school with a positive learning environment, strong leadership, and a commitment to the well-being and academic success of its pupils. The school is well-regarded by parents and the community, and while there are areas for growth, the foundation laid by the leadership and staff is promising for the future of its students.
