Sunnyside Spencer Academy rated “Good” with potential to be “Outstanding” in latest monitoring visit

The report opens with an acknowledgement of Sunnyside’s caring, supportive atmosphere: “Pupils are proud to attend this welcoming and inclusive school. They understand that they are valued for who they are. They feel safe and know they have trusted adults to talk to, should they wish. Pupils are happy and say that the best thing about the school is the caring teachers and staff.”

Inspectors also recognised the positive opinion typical of parents, quoting one who said, “This is a warm and welcoming school where staff go above and beyond to ensure all children are happy and safe.”

Sunnyside’s curriculum is another highlight: “Leaders have high aspirations for all pupils. They have designed a well-sequenced curriculum that enables pupils to build key knowledge over time. Teachers are confident in teaching their subjects and have secure subject knowledge.” Inspectors made note of the team’s “ambition . . . for all pupils to leave Sunnyside with a love of reading” and the emphasis on enriching experiences that “ensuring that pupils can experience the world beyond Beeston”.

Pupils’ exceptional learning at the academy is also demonstrated by their Key Stage 2 outcomes, which were significantly above national levels. These results indicate that Sunnyside pupils have some of the best possible chances of success when they move on to secondary school.

The overall “SHINE” culture shines through pupils’ attitudes and behaviours, according to the report. Inspectors write, “Pupils understand that they are unique, saying, ‘it’s okay to be different’. Pupils know the importance of respecting any differences. . . They know and understand the school’s ‘SHINE’ values. Pupils enjoy achieving a ‘shine badge’ for putting the values into practice. Pupils are well prepared for the next steps in their education.”

Having found that Sunnyside Spencer Academy has potential to move from a “Good” school to an “Outstanding” one, Ofsted inspectors will return to the academy for a graded inspection within the next one to two years.

Principal Laurie Baczynski said, “We are so proud that the hard work, dedication and commitment of our staff and children has been recognised. Everything we do at Sunnyside is about providing our children with an excellent education to build a love of learning and raise aspirations. Our nurturing ethos and inclusive culture ensure that all of our children SHINE brightly and we are incredibly proud that we were able to showcase this and show the incredible Sunnyside family we are.”

Director of Primary Education Angela O’Brien, OBE said, “This report is an excellent testament to Sunnyside’s ongoing journey in service of their community. When schools place children at the centre of all their decisions, as Laurie and her team have done, we see a dynamic environment in which pupils not only learn and grow, but thrive. We are excited for the future of Sunnyside—it’s sure to be bright.”