School Inspection

OFFICIAL INSPECTION REPORT CLICK HERE

Letter from Mr Cresswell:

Dear Parents and Carers,

I am writing to share the outcome of our recent  school inspection, that took place in December 2024. We are delighted to report that the outcome was extremely positive, with the inspector recognising the excellent work being done at Crossdale and its impact on the children.

In addition to the attached report, the inspector provided extensive verbal feedback at the end of the final day to me, Miss Seedhouse, Stuart Edmonds (EQT School Improvement Lead), Sara Kingan (Chair of Governors), Arun Mayor (Crossdale Parent Governor), and Ian Walker (Governor). We were encouraged to take notes, as it was explained that the word count allowed for the final report would necessitate the omission of some inspection findings. The information below is summarised from the notes taken during that feedback meeting and is intended to complement the official report, providing parents with additional insights.

Quality of Education
OFSTED praised the high expectations we set for all pupils, as well as our excellent provision for pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). The inspector noted that our curriculum is ambitious, well-organised, and supports the high standards we strive to achieve. She was also impressed by our plans to further improve the curriculum and teaching methods over the coming year.

The inspector particularly recognised our commitment to reading across all year groups. She commended our phonics programme for early readers and the enthusiasm our older children demonstrate for books and reading. The effectiveness of our staff training and support systems was also highlighted, ensuring that all our teachers are highly skilled in delivering high-quality lessons. This is vital for enabling every child, regardless of ability, to access the full curriculum.

Teachers' understanding of effective pedagogy in maths was praised, alongside their use of questioning and Assessment for Learning (AfL) strategies across all subjects. She commented that our staff are highly trained and have a clear understanding of what is expected in their roles, which ensures that the delivery of our curriculum is both focused and effective. The inspector also commented positively on some advanced pedagogical techniques introduced this year, noting that these will likely improve outcomes as they become more embedded. Published test results at Crossdale were also noted as strong.

Behaviour and Attitudes
The inspector was particularly impressed by the excellent behaviour of our pupils, describing behaviour as a strength of the school. She noted how our children care for one another and have a strong sense of what it means to be part of the Crossdale community, as reflected in the way they spoke about the ‘Crossdale Way’. Our approach to behaviour management was praised for being consistent, fair, and highly effective. Pupils were observed to be self-regulating, showing respect for each other and demonstrating positive attitudes to learning across the school. Pupils were not only focused and engaged in their lessons, but they also reported finding learning enjoyable, as they told the inspector that teachers make lessons fun and interesting. Pupils told the inspector that adults in school manage misbehaviour quickly and effectively, and that bullying is not an issue at Crossdale.

Personal Development
Our focus on personal development was highly commended. The inspector noted how children at Crossdale benefit from a well-rounded experience, preparing them not only academically but also socially and emotionally. She highlighted the wide range of clubs, leadership opportunities, and learning experiences we offer as particular strengths. The high standards in personal development reported at the last inspection have been maintained, and this remains a key strength of the school.

Early Years Foundation Stage
The inspector was very impressed with our Early Years provision, describing the learning environment as “a joy to see.” She highlighted the engaging and purposeful activities that help our youngest children make excellent progress. The strong emphasis on early language development, mathematics, and creative play was recognised as a key factor in preparing children for future learning.

The curriculum in EYFS was praised for its precise detail and  the inspector commended the skill of staff in implementing the curriculum and supporting children’s progress. The well-planned environment and the children’s cooperation and engagement were also recognised as strengths.

Leadership and Management
The leadership team, supported by our governors and staff from Equals Trust, was praised for its strong commitment to ongoing improvement. The inspector noted how the school continues to refine its provision, despite already achieving very good outcomes. She also highlighted the support we offer to staff, ensuring they are well-equipped to deliver the best education to our pupils. The results of a staff survey, in which 100% of staff expressed satisfaction with the support they receive, were also mentioned.

We are also pleased that the inspector confirmed the effectiveness of our safeguarding arrangements, recognising the strong culture of vigilance we maintain to ensure every child’s safety and well-being.

What’s Next
The inspector’s feedback was overwhelmingly positive. The only area for improvement identified was a relatively minor adjustment to how learning is checked in the wider, non-core curriculum. However, the inspector expressed confidence that we will take the necessary steps to address this quickly and effectively. We are already addressing this feedback and continue to develop other areas identified in our existing school improvement plan – we will not rest on our laurels!

In Conclusion
We are thrilled with the outcome of this inspection, which reflects the dedication of our staff, the hard work of our pupils, and the invaluable support we receive from our governors, Equals Trust, and the wider school community. We are  proud of what we have achieved together, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your continued support. 

If you have any questions or would like further details, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Yours sincerely,
Peter Cresswell