Curledge Street Academy, located in Paignton, is a Primary School and Nursery aged 2- to 12-years-olds. It joined Thinking Schools Academy Trust in September, which is proud to lead 26 successful primary and secondary schools in Medway, Kent, Plymouth, Torbay and Portsmouth.
Highlights from the report included praise for the academy’s nurturing culture and the high expectations for all pupils. Impressively, the inspector said: “This aspirational culture is embedded across the school, and as a result, leaders and teachers work together effectively to teach a broad and ambitious curriculum.”
One of the standout features of the report is the overwhelming sense of pride expressed by pupils at Curledge Street Academy. The inspectors noted that the school motto, ‘Be safe, be kind, be ready,’ serves as a guiding principle for pupils, shaping their behaviour and interactions and creating a respectful and harmonious atmosphere throughout the school.
Ofsted also commended the curriculum, stating: “Pupils in the early years get off to a flying start. The school is acutely aware of the importance of developing pupils’ communication and language. As a result, the curriculum in the early years is deliberately designed to enrich children’s knowledge of words.”
The inspector went on to applaud the school for its provision for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), stating that pupils actively participate in all aspects of school life. The inspector commented: “The school works closely with families of children with SEND to ensure learning is well matched to the needs of the children.”
Jessica Humphrey, Executive Headteacher of Curledge Street Academy, said:
“This achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our incredible staff, the enthusiasm of our pupils, and the unwavering support from our parents, community and The Thinking Schools Academy Trust. Together, we have created a positive and nurturing environment where learning flourishes.”
Hannah Wilkinson, Head of School at Curledge Street Academy, said:
“I am incredibly proud of this report; it reflects the hard work and effort of our entire school community. We will continue to build on this success, as our journey is a continual improvement. Our inspector shared how the children are happy and safe at Curledge Street Academy - a comment to make any headteacher proud.”
Jay Davenport, Regional Director of Education at Curledge Street Academy, said:
“This Ofsted rating is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our children, committed staff, supportive parents and the collaborative spirit of our local community. It reflects a shared commitment to providing a high-quality education and nurturing environment, where every individual contributes to our collective success, motivating us to continue to strive for excellence across all our schools within the Thinking Schools Academy Trust.”