Sunnyside Spencer celebrate phenomenal Ofsted report following recent inspection

In line with the new grading system, which came into effect in September 2024, Ofsted no longer grade schools for overall effectiveness, but they continue to grade the five sub-categories; The quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision.

Sunnyside Spencer were previously assessed back in July 2023 in which they received a section 8 “ungraded” inspection. Inspectors reported that the school continued to be a Good school, with the potential to be Outstanding. Under Ofsted guidelines, in cases such as this, the school is then revisited within 1-2 years and a graded inspection will take place.

Since the visit in July 2023, Laurie Baczynski, Principal at Sunnyside Spencer, and her dedicated team, alongside support from the Spencer Academies Trust, have continued to lead the school from strength to strength.

The shining report opened with a spotlight on the enthusiasm of pupils at the school: “Pupils flourish and are happy at Sunnyside. They are proud of their school and are keen, enthusiastic learners. Pupils live up to the school’s ‘SHINE’ values. These values, for example kindness and empathy, are deeply embedded in all aspects of school life.”

The behaviour of all pupils and their “highly positive attitudes to learning” were described as “excellent” by inspectors, recognising how they fulfil the high expectations the school sets admirably, leading to pupils typically achieving high standards in national tests by the end of Year 6.

The excellent start for children in the early years was also praised, with the report highlighting how this is due to the way in which the “caring, experienced staff quickly get to know and provide for each child’s unique needs and interests.”

The school’s broad and well-planned curriculum was also celebrated, with inspectors describing it as “ambitious” and “highly aspirational for all pupils”. They further commented: “The curriculum has been carefully designed to ensure that all pupils develop secure knowledge and skills as they progress through the school, from the early years to Year 6.”

The “strong knowledge [of staff] across the curriculum” was also applauded, noting how this allows pupils to “achieve well and produce work of a high quality”.

Principal, Laurie Baczynski, was overjoyed with the report: "We are delighted and very proud of the outcome of our recent inspection. We work hard to ensure that Sunnyside Spencer Academy is built on kindness, empathy, and excellence, as every child is a star, shining brightly in a world of endless possibilities! We would like to thank all of our families for their unwavering support, encouragement and love for our school which has been instrumental in our success and growth. Our Sunnyside family will continue to SHINE in our community."

Director of Primary Education, Kate Green, added: “We couldn’t be prouder of the whole of the Sunnyside community. It has been a pleasure to not only see the school improve over time but to see the school provide such excellence ‘day in and day out’ for all of the children. The report captures this excellence, which balances the best approaches to academic education with the desire to ensure all children truly SHINE! Huge congratulations to team Sunnyside”.

Paul West, CEO of Spencer Academies Trust, also shared: “I am thrilled that the success of Sunnyside Spencer has been formally recognised through the Academy’s Inspection. Sunnyside Spencer truly is an exceptional school, and every member of their community should feel rightly proud of their achievements”.

Well done to all at Sunnyside Spencer on this amazing achievement!