Ashwood Spencer Academy receives “Good” rating from Ofsted
For the first time in 20 years, Ashwood Spencer Academy rated as “Good” in every Ofsted category.
In its first Ofsted inspection since joining Spencer Academies Trust in 2018, Ashwood Spencer Academy was rated “Good” in all categories.
The report opens, “Leaders have high aspirations for all pupils to ‘Dream’. Pupils live up to these expectations. They are determined, resilient, expressive and ambitious. Pupils enjoy coming to school. One pupil, echoing the views of others, said, ‘I wake up and say “Yes! It is a school day, I can learn lots.”‘”
Before joining the Trust, Ashwood Spencer Academy—formerly known as Osmaston Primary School—had repeatedly been found to require improvement from Ofsted. Trust leaders worked closely with school staff to create and implement a rigorous plan for improvement, and their success is undeniable.
According to the report, the school’s curriculum includes “purposeful learning opportunities,” which teachers administer successfully due to “effective training.” Inspectors stated that “Skilled staff provide the nurture and support that some pupils need to manage their behaviour” and offer strong support to children.
The report also emphasizes the support provided to families: “Staff know pupils and their families well. They understand the types of difficulties that pupils and their families may face. Leaders provide effective early support for them.”
Leaders at Ashwood Spencer Academy have prioritised wellbeing for staff, as well as pupils and their families. Inspectors stated, “Staff, including those new to teaching, feel valued. They say that leaders support them well to be successful in their roles.”
Principal Paula Baines-Chambers said, “I am delighted that the dedication, hard work and commitment of all staff to drive forward improvements has been recognised. It was a pleasure to welcome the inspection team to our school, where we were able to demonstrate why Ashwood is such a magical place to DREAM. I am thrilled for our families, who now have a ‘good’ school at the heart of their community.”
Director of Primary Education Angela O’Brien, OBE, said, “This Ofsted grading reflects the school’s commitment to providing the best possible outcomes for its pupils. Ashwood Spencer Academy has proven itself to be a leader in the community with children at the heart of everything they do, and we are eager to see what’s next for them.”
CEO Paul West said, “The progress Ashwood Spencer Academy has made since joining our Trust in 2018 is a shining example of what we can achieve when we embrace our Trust values of aspiration, partnership and responsibility. The incredible work led by Paula and her team has made a fantastic impact, not only on the academy’s pupils, but on the Spencer family and wider community, as well.”
