CELEBRATING OFSTED

We are thrilled to be able to share with you all the outcome of our recent Ofsted inspection. This was our first: when Caston became an Academy and joined DNEAT in 2020 we effectively started afresh so, as a new school we have been anticipating this inaugural inspection.

Our visit was the earliest possible in this academic year, just five days in. Children were settling into their classes, new staff were getting to know everyone, exercise books were barely opened and display boards empty, refreshed and ready to receive work. Some of the team had seen inspections before and for others it was a new experience, just days into a new career. All the more reason why I am so very proud that we have been judged ‘GOOD’ in all areas.

The inspectors recognised our ‘high ambitions for pupils’ academic and social development’ and gave credit for how ‘inclusive’ we are. They praised the curriculum as ‘ambitious’ and the children for ‘welcom[ing] new pupils to the school warmly’.

'This was Caston's first Ofsted since becoming an academy and I couldn't be more proud of my staff team,' says Executive Head Sarah Disney. 'The 'good' mark shows the inspectors' recognition of the sustained drive and outstanding commitment that I see every day in classrooms, on the playground and across our school community. I'm particularly delighted that our focussed work to develop a curriculum that is ambitious and inclusive for every child has been celebrated.

'Every member of staff, our children, families, governors and volunteers, can feel pride and ownership in this report. I thank them all for their consistent support, which is so valued.'

The full report is available for download here.