All Saints Catholic Voluntary Academy continues to be a 'Good' school, according to their latest Ofsted report. 

Inspectors said that All Saints, on Church Street in Old Glossop, is a "thriving" school where staff aim for every child to find enjoyment, happiness and friendship. 

“Pupils are happy, enjoy school life and make strong friendships,” they said. 

This is the first ungraded inspection at All Saints since September 2016, when the school was judged to be ‘Good’. 

The report said that all leaders, governors and trustees have the highest expectations of pupils and as a result of effective joint working, the curriculum is continually developed. 

Behaviour was described as a key strength of the school, which is part of the St Ralph Sherwin Catholic Multi Academy Trust. 

Parents who inspectors spoke to and received feedback from were overwhelmingly positive about school life and the leadership of the school, according to the report. 

“One parent stated that the school is a ‘wonderful, caring environment with a family feel.’ This sentiment was shared by many other staff and parents,” inspectors said. 

Curriculum development was praised in the report, which said: “Staff have been provided with the support and time to make changes to their plans and teaching. Subject development has been carefully prioritised and is having a positive impact on what pupils know and can do.” 

Approaches to assessment were well established and the teaching of early reading was described as “effective.” 

“The school has had much success with its teaching of phonics and reading to pupils. As a result of an effective grounding in early reading, pupils develop a love of reading,” inspectors said. 

The report said that pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities are well supported. It also said that pupils’ behaviour is exceptional. 

Inspectors said: “Staff have established a very positive climate for learning. Pupils are eager to learn and get on with one another very well.” 

It was noted that All Saints works effectively with its partner school, St Margaret’s, and the St Ralph Sherwin Trust to improve their provision. 

“Governors and trustees know the school well, offer support and challenge, and are united in doing all they can to help pupils make progress,” inspectors said. 

Grainne Beaumont, Headteacher at All Saints, said: “Staff and governors work hard to ensure our school is always moving forward and changing with the current climate. We strive to continue to grow and develop our school, meeting both the educational needs and, just as importantly, the mental health needs of our children. 

“We would like to thank all of the staff, governors and families for their continued support. The school will continue to grow and we always say, ‘we may be small but we have a big heart.’” 

Kevin Gritton, Chief Executive of the St Ralph Sherwin Trust, said: “We would like to congratulate All Saints on the outcome of this inspection. It is clear that staff and governors work incredibly hard to ensure that the children receive the very best education and care and it was lovely to read the overwhelmingly positive feedback from Ofsted inspectors.”

Read more from the Glossop Chronicle

Click here for more of the latest news

Click here to read the latest edition of the paper online

Click here to find out where you can pick up a copy of the paper