Chaddesden Park Primary School, located in Derby, underwent an inspection on March 12 and 13, 2024. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as requiring improvement, with specific areas such as the quality of education and leadership and management also receiving a similar rating. However, the school demonstrated good performance in behavior and attitudes, personal development, and early years provision. The headteacher, Helen Smith, leads the school, which is part of The Learners’ Trust, overseen by CEO Matt Freeston and a board of trustees chaired by Steve Welsh.
The school is recognized for its welcoming environment where pupils feel happy and safe. Students express confidence in their understanding of online safety and healthy choices. Parents and carers appreciate the positive relationships with staff and the special events organized by the school, such as the Christmas fair and Jubilee celebrations. They commend the hard work of the staff, who strive to support pupils in achieving their best. While early reading outcomes are improving, there are concerns regarding the overall achievement of pupils across all subjects, indicating that not all curriculum areas are meeting expectations.
Staff maintain high expectations for pupil behavior, and students adhere to the school’s rules of being ready, respectful, and safe. They demonstrate politeness and courtesy towards one another and enjoy participating in teamwork activities. The early years provision is particularly strong, with a focus on language development and nurturing relationships. Children engage in conversations that enhance their vocabulary and can articulate their learning experiences effectively.
Despite the school’s ambitious curriculum, there are gaps in pupils’ learning that need to be addressed. Some students struggle to connect their learning over time due to a lack of precise matching of work to their existing knowledge. Additionally, staff do not always respond quickly enough to misconceptions that arise during lessons, leading to misunderstandings about key concepts. Disrespectful behavior is rare, and staff are quick to address any concerns, fostering a culture of mutual respect among pupils.
The school actively promotes pupils’ wider development, encouraging discussions on topical issues and supporting charitable initiatives. Pupils participate in various clubs, which help them explore their interests. While the school is making improvements, there are areas where checks on provision are not rigorous enough to identify and address priorities swiftly. Some staff members are new to leadership roles and may lack the necessary expertise to fulfill their responsibilities effectively.
Local governors, known as school champions, are engaged with the school community and understand the importance of listening to parents and pupils. They are aware of staff workload and well-being, ensuring that staff feel supported. The safeguarding arrangements in place are effective, contributing to a safe learning environment.
To improve, the school needs to ensure that work is better matched to pupils’ current understanding, allowing them to build knowledge effectively. Staff should enhance their ability to identify and address misconceptions promptly. Leadership development is essential to ensure that all priorities for improvement are accurately identified and addressed in a timely manner. The school aims to create a more cohesive learning experience for all pupils, ensuring that they achieve their full potential across the curriculum.
