Pupils are proud of their school. They demonstrate this by working hard willingly, not giving up and supporting each other to flourish. Pupils’ behaviour both in and out of lessons is exemplary. Pupils enjoy many opportunities to widen their experience of the world through clubs, activities and residential trips. They take part in choir, art, football and cookery after-school clubs. This allows pupils to try different things and develop new interests. Pupils have no concerns about bullying. They respect the needs and rights of others and show maturity when talking about people’s differences. Pupils take on responsibilities enthusiastically in school and are keen to support their local community. Staff uphold high expectations. Consequently, pupils achieve very well in English and mathematics and are fully prepared for the next stage of their education. Parents and carers appreciate the school as much as pupils do. Those who responded to Parent View, Ofsted’s online questionnaire, said that they would recommend the school to others. One parent commented, ‘Since attending this school, my child has flourished. I feel exceptionally proud of everything my child has achieved so far and this is down to the school and their ethos and pure passion for their roles.’ What does the school do well and what does it need to do better? Leaders and those responsible for governance know the school well and understand what works, and what needs to be better. Since the last inspection, a school business manager has been appointed. This has provided leaders with additional capacity to improve the school. As a result, all the independent school standards are met. Leaders have created an exciting curriculum. They have linked a broad range of subjects together within carefully chosen topics. Teachers make sure that pupils’ knowledge and skills develop in a logical sequence. Pupils’ learning is monitored closely in English, mathematics and science. However, assessment systems in other subjects are not yet fully in place. In these subjects, pupils are not yet learning as well as they could because lessons are not matched closely enough to pupils’ starting points. The curriculum helps pupils prepare well for the next stage in their education. Staff have strong subject knowledge in English and mathematics. As a result, pupils achieve highly in these areas. However, pupils do not always learn as well as they could in other subjects, such as art or music. For instance, while pupils demonstrated a keenness to participate in extra-curricular artistic clubs and Inspection report: Chartfield School 3–5 March 2020 2 activities, this enthusiasm has not yet been tapped into across curriculum learning. Leaders know that more needs to be done to improve teachers’ confidence and subject knowledge in this area so they can provider richer and more frequent opportunities for pupils to strengthen their creative and artistic capabilities. Leaders have ensured that the school’s reading programme is well sequenced. Children in Reception Year learn effectively about letters and the sounds they represent. Children told inspectors that they love reading and spoke about the main characters in their favourite stories. Once pupils are in key stage 2, they continue to read regularly and develop a strong understanding of texts they have read. As a result, pupils develop a tangible love of reading. Disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) achieve well. Staff are adept at assessing the achievements of this group of pupils, and know how to plan the appropriate next steps in learning. As a result, the work set for pupils with SEND takes into account their individual needs and ensures that they make strong progress from their starting points. In Reception, staff have high expectations of what children can do. Activities are exciting, and the children are keen learners. The curriculum is well planned to meet children’s needs and interests. Staff make sure that children get off to a flying start in their early reading and mathematics. As a result, children are well prepared for their move to key stage 1 when it comes. The early years environment is well organised and maintained. Resources are carefully chosen to meet the children’s needs and promote learning. Children benefit from a wide range of interesting indoor and outdoor learning experiences. However, learning opportunities inside are currently much more imaginative and engaging than those that are provided in the outdoor area. This is because the outdoor space is currently underdeveloped. It does not provide enough opportunities for children to learn and explore beyond the classroom. As a result, the outdoor play area requires additional development in order to further spark children’s interests. Leaders and the proprietor take their responsibilities for equal opportunities seriously. For example, pupils learn to think about their own beliefs and those of other faiths and cultures through the curriculum, a well-designed programme of study for religious education, and various off-site visits. This work contributes well to pupils’ demonstrable tolerance and respect for others, and their strong appreciation of British values. Leaders have successfully embedded a rich seam of personal development and spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. For example, most pupils make the most of their time in school. Most pupils, including those with SEND, take part in extra-curricular activities. Through volunteering, pupils support the local community. Pupils make a difference in school through the school council, confident that teachers will listen to and act on their views.