St Charles' Catholic Voluntary Academy, located in Hadfield, Glossop, Derbyshire, has been evaluated as a good school following its inspection on November 2 and 3, 2022. The school has established a positive environment where pupils feel they belong, believe in themselves, and can blossom. This ethos is evident in the happiness and safety expressed by the students, with many stating their pride in being part of the school community. The staff maintain high expectations for all pupils, fostering a culture of hard work and enthusiasm for learning. Behaviour is commendable, with pupils demonstrating politeness and respect towards each other and staff. Incidents of bullying are reported as rare, and when they do occur, staff address them promptly and fairly.
The school offers a diverse range of extracurricular activities designed to enhance pupils' talents and interests, providing experiences that may not be available in the local community. Parents have expressed overwhelmingly positive views about the school, highlighting the progress their children have made since enrollment.
The curriculum at St Charles' is ambitious and well-structured, beginning in the early years and thoughtfully sequenced across subjects. Leaders have clearly defined the subject content and key vocabulary for pupils to learn. However, as these curriculum plans are relatively new, subject leaders require time and support to ensure consistent implementation across all classes. Assessment practices are sensible and not overly burdensome, allowing teachers to gauge pupils' understanding effectively. The teaching of phonics and early reading is prioritized, with pupils having access to a good selection of books and receiving recognition for frequent reading.
Despite these strengths, some pupils struggle to apply their phonics skills effectively when encountering unfamiliar words, which hinders their progress. The school is committed to addressing this by ensuring staff have the necessary knowledge to support these pupils in developing their decoding skills.
Pupils exhibit a positive attitude towards school and learning, with a consistent behaviour management system in place that promotes good conduct. Attendance and punctuality are strong, and leaders take appropriate action when issues arise. The curriculum also emphasizes diversity and equality, equipping pupils with an understanding of relationships and health education, including awareness of same-sex relationships.
In the early years, children benefit from purposeful and engaging activities that sustain their attention. The environment is well-resourced, fostering positive relationships among staff and children. Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities receive appropriate support, enabling them to achieve well and build self-esteem.
The governing body plays an effective role in holding school leaders accountable, regularly engaging with staff and pupils to understand the school's performance. Safeguarding measures are robust, with staff trained to recognize signs of potential abuse and neglect. The school maintains detailed safeguarding records and collaborates with external agencies to ensure pupil safety.
To improve further, the school needs to embed its relatively new curriculum plans across all year groups and ensure that all staff are equipped to support pupils in using their phonics skills effectively. Overall, St Charles' Catholic Voluntary Academy demonstrates a strong commitment to providing a quality education and fostering a supportive learning environment for all its pupils.
