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Schools & FE · Report card

Cheadle Heath Primary School

Inspected 17 Mar 2026 · published 14 May 2026 · URN 133326

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Summary

No overall grade in this frameworkSafeguarding met

Louise McArdle (lead), Alison Lawson, Orienne Langley-Sadler

What we read, and from where

Click a reading to see it highlighted in the report.

  • Achievement verified

    Expected standard

  • Attendance and behaviour verified

    Strong standard

  • Curriculum and teaching verified

    Expected standard

  • Early years verified

    Expected standard

  • Inclusion verified

    Strong standard

  • Leadership and governance verified

    Strong standard

  • Personal development and wellbeing verified

    Strong standard

  • Framework verified

    Report card

  • Inspection datesingle source

    17 Mar 2026

  • Inspectors verified

    Alison Lawson, Louise McArdle, Orienne Langley-Sadler

  • Postcode verified

    SK3 0RJ

  • Name on report verified

    Cheadle Heath Primary School

  • Safeguarding verified

    Met

  • URN verified

    133326

Page 1 of 15
Page 1 of the report

Deep dive

What this report says

In plain English

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Grade profile

Each judgement on its scale, weakest to strongest.

  • AchievementExpected
  • Attendance and behaviourStrong
  • Curriculum and teachingExpected
  • Early yearsExpected
  • InclusionStrong
  • Leadership and governanceStrong
  • Personal development and wellbeingStrong

Tone of the report

How positive or critical the inspectors' language is, from the words they chose. No AI involved.

+94Very positivemore positive than 95% of reports of this type

Reads more warmly than most reports of this type.

Praisehighly effectiveeffectivelyextremelyconsistentlypositiveenjoyhigh-qualitycaring
Criticismconcernsgapsstruggle

How the report reads, start to finish

Every paragraph in order, sized by length. Tap one to see it on the page.

FindingsSafeguardingAbout the inspectionLeadershipWhat needs to improve positive critical
  • Findings1408w+97
  • Leadership244w+87
  • Safeguarding51w−11
  • What needs to improve55w+50

Strengths

Quoted from the report. Tap to see it on the page.

Concerns

Quoted from the report. Tap to see it on the page.

No strong criticism found.

Next steps

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What the report dwells on

Topics by how often they come up, coloured by how they are described. Open one for an example.

Anatomy of the report

How the report is built, against others of the same type and grade.

Pages
15
Words of findings
1,758
about usual (typical 1698)
Reading level
Hard
Flesch 42, typical 43
Average sentence
13 words
Next steps
2
typical 3
Hedged sentences
6%
“some”, “not always”, “most”…

Where the words go

Findings 52%Leadership 9%Safeguarding 2%What needs to improve 2%About the inspection 36%

Full report text

Cheadle Heath Primary School

Address: Edgeley Road, Cheadle Heath, Stockport, Cheshire, SK3 0RJ Unique reference number (URN): 133326

p.1

Safeguarding standards met

The safeguarding standards are met. This means that leaders and/or those responsible for governance and oversight fulfil their specific responsibilities and have established an open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility and concerns are actively identified, acted upon and managed. As a result, pupils are made safer and feel safe.

p.1

How we evaluate safeguarding

When we inspect schools for safeguarding, they can have the following outcomes:

p.1

How we evaluate safeguarding

Met: The school has an open and positive culture of safeguarding. All legal requirements are met. Not met: The school has not created an open and positive culture of safeguarding. Not all legal requirements are met.

p.1

Attendance and behaviour Strong standard

Leaders ensure that securing high attendance is everyone’s responsibility. The very well- thought-out attendance strategy is implemented extremely successfully. Leaders intervene at the earliest opportunity to support any pupils or groups of pupils whose attendance is beginning to dip. As a result, any barriers to pupils’ attendance and punctuality are rapidly addressed. The attendance of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities is well above the national average. Pupils' current attendance is high, with significant recent improvements.

p.2

Attendance and behaviour Strong standard

The behaviour policy is implemented consistently well by kind and caring staff. Leaders have created a calm, warm and nurturing ethos. This permeates the school. Staff go out of their way to understand pupils’ unique needs. For example, the school provides highly effective support and adjustments to help pupils with social and emotional needs to manage their emotions well. Pupils show very high levels of respect. They proudly rise to meet leaders’ high standards. Pupils behave extremely well both in lessons and during breaktimes. Leaders deal with any rare incidents of bullying or any discriminatory behaviour, whether online or offline, quickly and very effectively.

p.2

Inclusion Strong standard

Pupils with a range of additional needs thrive as a result of the school's nurturing and inclusive culture and environment. Staff are expertly trained to accurately and swiftly identify and meet the needs of pupils, including those who have special educational needs and/or disabilities.

p.2

Inclusion Strong standard

Staff precisely tailor strategies for support. This rapidly reduces obstacles to pupils' learning or wellbeing. Teachers make effective adaptations to support pupils' learning very effectively.

p.2

Inclusion Strong standard

The school uses the purposeful and well-designed 'Oasis hub' very effectively. Within this calm and tranquil space, pupils benefit from targeted interventions, particular those with social and emotional needs. Pupils also value support from the school's highly effective pastoral team, including Tilly, the therapy dog. Pupils who have other needs benefit from swift intervention. For example, those with speech, language and communication needs receive helpful specialist support.

p.2

Inclusion Strong standard

The school liaises closely with external agencies and parents and carers to understand and support the individual needs of pupils. Leaders carefully track the progress of vulnerable pupils. Leaders continually refine and improve their work. This means that pupils, including disadvantaged pupils, consistently benefit from high-quality experiences and opportunities.

p.2

Leadership and governance Strong standard

Leaders at all levels are highly ambitious for the school. They put pupils’ interests front and centre of their work. Leaders have a deep understanding of the school’s context and its strengths and areas for development. They carefully analyse the impact of their actions. Leaders use this information to pinpoint and prioritise the right actions at the right time. As a result, the school continually develops and improves.

p.2

Leadership and governance Strong standard

Leaders and staff ensure that any barriers to pupils’ wellbeing and learning are rapidly reduced. The impact of leaders’ work is highly positive in most areas. Leaders rightly recognise that there is further work to do to ensure that the improvements in pupils’ writing, particularly in handwriting, and in a few aspects of achievement are consistently sustained over time.

p.3

Leadership and governance Strong standard

Governors share the school’s aspirational vision for a highly effective education for pupils. They possess a wide range of relevant skills and knowledge to be able to hold the school to account very effectively. This includes for the outcomes of vulnerable groups, particularly those who are disadvantaged.

p.3

Leadership and governance Strong standard

The whole school community is unwaveringly positive about the school. Parents and carers cannot praise the school highly enough. Staff are extremely proud to work at the school. They particularly appreciate the opportunities that they have to develop professionally. This is through the school’s high-quality and personalised professional development offer. Staff value the way that leaders care about them and show consideration of their wellbeing and workload in their decision-making.

p.3

Personal development and wellbeing Strong standard

The school's highly effective personal development programme significantly enriches the experiences of pupils. Leaders ensure that there is equitable access for all. Leaders use their robust analysis of the programme's impact to make continued improvements.

p.3

Personal development and wellbeing Strong standard

Pupils' talents are nurtured through taking part in activities that align closely with their interests and aspirations. Pupils, including disadvantaged pupils, learn to play a musical instrument or represent the school at many events within the community. Pupils value participating in activities such as residential visits, as well as trips to the farm, theatre, church and local environment. They enjoy a range of sports, including hockey and cheerleading activities. Pupils learn about different careers and the importance of budgeting. These rich and highly cohesive experiences help to develop their character. The programme actively promotes the school values of ‘aspire, believe and achieve’.

p.3

Personal development and wellbeing Strong standard

The programme helps pupils extend their learning, for example through diverse texts. They learn about significant people and their contributions to culture, drama and humanitarian causes throughout the ages. Pupils show tolerance and respect for other cultures and customs. Families regularly share aspects of their culture, for example their customs and traditions during Chinese New Year.

p.3

Personal development and wellbeing Strong standard

Pupils articulate their learning very confidently. They understand how it impacts on their lives now and in the future. Pupils develop a clear understanding of healthy relationships and fundamental British values such as democracy. They show deep awareness of how to keep themselves safe online and in the wider world.

p.3

Expected standard

Pupils, including those who were previously looked after, flourish due to the exemplary care and pastoral support that they receive. Pupils are very well prepared for their later life.

p.4

Achievement Expected standard

Typically, pupils achieve well. This is reflected in the end of key stage 2 results in national assessments. These have been broadly in line with national averages over time. The positive impact of leaders’ work to improve reading can be seen in the increased reading fluency of pupils. However, in a few aspects, pupils do not achieve as highly as they might.

p.4

Achievement Expected standard

Most pupils develop the basic skills that they need to succeed across the curriculum. However, occasionally, pupils’ writing skills are not as well developed as they should be, particularly their handwriting.

p.4

Achievement Expected standard

Current pupils make consistently positive progress across the curriculum, particularly those pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities. In most subjects, pupils remember key content and connect it effectively with new learning. As a result, they are well prepared for the next stage of their learning.

p.4

Curriculum and teaching Expected standard

Leaders have constructed an aspirational curriculum for each subject and year group. This includes those pupils in mixed-age classes. Leaders have made well-considered improvements to some subjects. This means that the content that pupils learn is clearly identified and broken down. This work is having a positive impact. Pupils build on their prior learning well and develop knowledge across the curriculum.

p.4

Curriculum and teaching Expected standard

Staff benefit from helpful and ongoing professional development. Typically, they deliver the curriculum well. Teachers model and explain new learning carefully. Staff use their knowledge of individual pupils’ needs to make appropriate adjustments to the curriculum. This includes pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities. Teachers generally use assessment information effectively to adapt teaching and to address gaps in pupils’ learning.

p.4

Curriculum and teaching Expected standard

Reading is a high priority. This starts in the early years. Children are exposed to rich texts to ignite their interest in books and reading. Leaders’ work to strengthen pupils’ key knowledge, particularly in mathematics, reading and oracy, is mostly effective. Typically, pupils develop secure knowledge in these areas. However, there is still some variability in the quality of some pupils’ writing.

p.4

Early years Expected standard

Leaders have developed a well-considered and logically sequenced curriculum. This takes into account children’s needs and interests. The carefully designed environment, particularly the outdoor area, supports and extends children’s learning effectively. Staff plan purposeful activities to help children gain essential knowledge and skills across all the required areas of learning.

p.4

Early years Expected standard

Typically, staff maximise opportunities to develop language and to model important vocabulary. Early reading is a high priority. Children begin to learn the sounds and letters that they need to become more confident in reading. They consolidate their learning through regular practice across the school day. Staff provide targeted support to help children who need this. Children, including those who are vulnerable, learn well across the early years curriculum.

p.5

Early years Expected standard

Staff build trusting relationships with children and their families. Staff closely collaborate with parents and carers, and professionals, to identify children's additional needs as soon as possible. Relationships between staff and children are consistently warm and caring. This helps children to feel secure and to settle quickly into their school.

p.5

What it's like to be a pupil at this school

Pupils are immensely proud to belong to ‘team Cheadle Heath’. Each morning, staff greet pupils warmly by name and check to see how they are feeling. This helps pupils to have a positive start to their day. Pupils enjoy playtimes where many like to be active and enjoy singing and dancing to music. Pupils get on extremely well with each other.

p.5

What it's like to be a pupil at this school

Inclusion is at the heart of the school’s work. Pupils develop a deep sense of belonging. This includes those from different backgrounds and cultures or those who are new to school. As a result, pupils look forward to coming to school each day and attend well. Pupils learn an ambitious curriculum. They enjoy learning about interesting and engaging topics. Typically, pupils achieve well.

p.5

What it's like to be a pupil at this school

School is a safe, welcoming and calm place. Pupils are extremely well supported by kind and caring staff. Pupils who have special educational needs and/or disabilities get the support they require. Pupils know that any rare incidents of bullying will be sorted out quickly and effectively.

p.5

What it's like to be a pupil at this school

Pupils benefit from high-quality pastoral support. They enjoy regular visits from Tilly, the therapy dog. This support helps pupils to flourish, particularly those who may struggle to regulate their emotions.

p.5

What it's like to be a pupil at this school

Pupils’ conduct embodies the school’s values. They behave impeccably. Pupils understand the school’s rules and proudly follow them. This starts in the early years where children listen keenly to their teachers.

p.5

What it's like to be a pupil at this school

Pupils benefit from a wealth of rich activities to develop their character and confidence. For example, pupils proudly represent the school in many competitions. They learn to play a brass instrument and are given opportunities to work with a famous Manchester orchestra. Older pupils take part in a Shakespeare production at a local theatre.

p.5

Team inspectors:

Alison Lawson, Ofsted Inspector Orienne Langley-Sadler, Ofsted Inspector

p.6

Facts and figures used on inspection

The data was used by the inspector(s) during the inspection. More recent data may have been published since the inspection took place.

p.6

Next steps

Leaders should build on their work to improve pupils' basic skills in writing and handwriting so that pupils across the school write with fluency and confidence. Leaders and governors should continue to develop their successful systems for monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of their provision so that they lead to consistently high outcomes for pupils.

p.6

About this inspection

The chair of the board of governors in this school is Samantha Donigan.

p.6

About this inspection

Inspectors carried out this full inspection under section 5 of the Education Act 2005.

p.6

About this inspection

Following our renewed inspection framework, all inspections are now led by His Majesty's Inspectors (HMIs) or by Ofsted Inspectors (OIs) who have previously served as HMIs.

p.6

About this inspection

Inspectors spoke with the headteacher, other leaders and staff. The lead inspector met with members of the governing body, including the chair, and a representative of the local authority.

p.6

About this inspection

The inspector confirmed the following information about the school:

p.6

About this inspection

The school uses no alternative provision.

p.6

About this inspection

The school runs a before-school breakfast club and an after-school club.

p.6

About this inspection

Headteacher : Christine Meekley This data is from 17 March 2026

p.6

What does this mean?

The total number of pupils currently at this school and how this compares to other schools of this phase in England.

p.7

What does this mean?

The total number of pupils who can attend the school and how this compares to other schools of this phase in England.

p.7

What does this mean?

The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals at any point in the last six years.

p.7

What does this mean?

The proportion of pupils with an education, health and care plan. This covers pupils with more support than is available through special educational needs support.

p.8

What does this mean?

The proportion of pupils with reported special educational support needs at the school.

p.8

What does this mean?

Based on the English Indices of Deprivation (2019) and the school's location, we have calculated whether the school is located in a more or less deprived area.

p.8

What does this mean?

Whether school has Resourced Provision or SEND unit (if applicable).

p.8

Pupils reaching the expected standard in reading, writing and mathematics

The percentage of pupils meeting the expected standards in a combined reading, writing and mathematics measure.

p.8

average

2024/25 (revised) 62% 62% Close to average

p.9

average

2022/23 (final) 54% 60% Close to average

p.9

Pupils reaching the expected standard in reading

The percentage of pupils meeting the expected standard in reading.

p.9

average

2023/24 (final) 69% 74% Close to average

p.9

average

2022/23 (final) 70% 73% Close to average

p.9

Pupils reaching the expected standard in teacher-assessed writing

The percentage of pupils meeting the expected standard in teacher-assessed writing.

p.9

average

2024/25 (revised) 76% 72% Close to average

p.9

average

2022/23 (final) 72% 71% Close to average

p.9

Pupils reaching the expected standard in mathematics

The percentage of pupils meeting the expected standard in mathematics.

p.10

average

2022/23 (final) 67% 73% Close to average

p.10

Disadvantaged pupils' performance

Disadvantaged pupils are those who have been eligible for free school meals at any point in the last six years and children looked after.

p.10

mathematics

The percentage of disadvantaged pupils meeting the expected standard in reading, writing and mathematics.

p.10

Disadvantaged pupils reaching the expected standard in reading

The percentage of disadvantaged pupils meeting the expected standard in reading.

p.10

Disadvantaged pupils reaching the expected standard in teacher-assessed writing

The percentage of disadvantaged pupils meeting the expected standard in teacher- assessed writing.

p.11

average

2024/25 (revised) 53% 59% Close to average

p.11

average

2022/23 (final) 50% 58% Close to average

p.11

Disadvantaged pupils reaching the expected standard in mathematics

The percentage of disadvantaged pupils meeting the expected standard in mathematics.

p.11

average

2024/25 (revised) 72% 61% Close to average

p.11

average

2023/24 (final) 67% 59% Close to average

p.11

Disadvantaged pupils' performance gap

Disadvantaged pupils are those who have been eligible for free school meals at any point in the last six years and children looked after. The school disadvantage gap is the difference between the performance of the school's disadvantaged pupils compared to the performance of all non-disadvantaged pupils nationally.

p.11

mathematics

The percentage of disadvantaged pupils meeting the expected standard in reading, writing and mathematics, including the disadvantaged gap.

p.12

Disadvantaged pupils reaching the expected standard in reading

The percentage of disadvantaged pupils meeting the expected standard in reading and the disadvantaged gap.

p.12

Disadvantaged pupils reaching the expected standard in teacher-assessed writing

The percentage of disadvantaged pupils meeting the expected standard in teacher- assessed writing and the disadvantaged gap.

p.12

Disadvantaged pupils reaching the expected standard in mathematics

The percentage of disadvantaged pupils meeting the expected standard in mathematics and the disadvantaged gap.

p.13

Overall absence

The percentage of all possible mornings and afternoons missed due to absence from school (for whatever reason, whether authorised or unauthorised) across all pupils.

p.13

national average

2024/25 (2 term) 5.2% 5.2% Close to average

p.13

national average

2023/24 (3 term) 5.6% 5.5% Close to average

p.13

national average

2022/23 (3 term) 5.4% 5.9% Close to average

p.13

Persistent absence

The percentage of pupils missing 10% or more of their possible mornings and afternoons.

p.14

national average

2024/25 (2 term) 13.2% 13.3% Close to average

p.14

national average

2023/24 (3 term) 15.3% 14.6% Close to average

p.14

national average

2022/23 (3 term) 16.5% 16.2% Close to average

p.14

Exceptional

Practice is exceptional: of the highest standard nationally. Other schools can learn from it.

p.14

Strong standard

The school reaches a strong standard. Leaders are working above the standard expected of them.

p.14

Expected standard

The school is fulfilling the expected standard of education and/or care. This means they are following the standard set out in statutory and non ‑ statutory legislation and the professional standards expected of them.

p.14

Needs attention

The expected standards are not met but leaders are likely able to make the necessary improvements.

p.14

Urgent improvement

The school needs to make urgent improvements to provide the expected standard of education and/or care.

p.14

Urgent improvement

services providing education and skills for children and learners of all ages, and inspects and regulates services that care for children and young people.

p.14

Urgent improvement

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk . You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk .

p.14

Urgent improvement

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p.15

Urgent improvement

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

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