Ofsted Inspection 08/07/2025
07 July 2025
Dear parent or carer
Inspection of Esteem Valley Academy by Ofsted
We have just told your child’s school that we will inspect it on 08 July 2025. The lead inspector will be Christine Watkins, HMI. We are writing to you because we would like to know what you think about the school. Please take a few minutes to read the leaflet that came with this letter. It explains why we inspect schools and what happens during an inspection.
Your views about the school are important to us
If you are a registered parent or carer of a pupil at the school (including pupils on sick leave or who are temporarily excluded), you can tell us your views about the school by completing Ofsted’s online survey, Ofsted Parent View, at: https://parentview.ofsted.gov.uk.
Ofsted Parent View asks for your opinion on some aspects of your child’s school, including the progress made by your child, the quality of teaching, how the school deals with bullying and poor behaviour. It also provides a free-text box for you to make additional comments, if you wish. The inspectors will use the online survey responses when inspecting your child’s school. Written comments can also be sent to the school in a sealed envelope, marked confidential and addressed to the inspection team.
To register your views, you will need to provide your email address, which will be held securely. It will not be used for any purpose other than providing access to the online survey. Neither schools nor Ofsted will have access to any email addresses.
Please complete the online survey by 11am on 08 July 2025 as this will give the inspection team more time to consider your views. However, we will consider all online responses that are completed during the inspection, although the free-text box facility will not be available after noon on 09 July 2025.
Speaking to an inspector
If you are unable to complete the online survey, it may be possible to speak to an inspector during the inspection, for instance at the start of the school day, or to pass on messages to the inspectors if you are unable to speak to them in person. Inspection administrators will be happy to make the necessary arrangements. If concerns are raised about child protection, we may have to pass the information we receive to social services or the police. You can contact the administrators on 03000131559. Inspectors will be pleased to receive your comments, but cannot deal with complaints about individual pupils or settle disputes between you and the school.
Gathering personal information on inspection
Inspectors will gather any personal information necessary to assist them in inspecting a school. Our privacy policy sets out what personal information we collect, what we do with it, how long we keep it and individuals’ rights under data protection legislation. The contact details for Ofsted’s Data Protection Officer are: Email – informationrequest@ofsted.gov.uk; Post – Information management team, Ofsted, 2 Rivergate, Temple Quay, Bristol, BS1 6EH.
Thank you in advance for taking the time to complete the online survey.
Yours faithfully
Jonathan Hillier
Inspection support administrator
Welcome to Esteem Valley Academy
Headteacher Welcome
We are an alternative provision academy based in the Amber Valley & Erewash region of Derbyshire, dedicated to providing a nurturing and inclusive learning environment where our students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. At sites based in Ilkeston, Sawley & Kirk Hallam, our provision caters for students in Primary through to Key Stage 4 who are at risk of permanent exclusion or who have already been permanently excluded from mainstream education.
For many, a placement at an AP Academy may seem like the end of their academic journey, but we are not your typical PRU or Support Centre and see it as merely as a change in direction. Understanding that success looks different to all we have developed ‘A Culture of Success’ where we celebrate effort, perseverance, and a growth mindset. We encourage our students to embrace challenge and learn from their mistakes, supporting them to discover their individual passions and unique strengths.
At the heart of everything we do are relationships, and we believe in developing a positive and supportive community where each individual feels valued and respected. We go beyond academics, focusing on building confidence, resilience, and essential life skills, preparing our students for a successful transition within education or into employment, where they can make a positive and meaningful contribution to society.
Welcome to Esteem Valley Academy!
Kevin Wildrianne
Headteacher
What it’s like to work at Esteem Valley Academy…
Opening Times
Sawley Site:
9am-2pm
Bennerley Site:
Primary Discovery: 9am-1pm
Primary Explorers: 9am-2pm
Key Stage Three: 9am-2pm
Kirk Hallam Site:
9am-4pm