Birches Head Academy celebrates significant progress following latest Ofsted Inspection
Birches Head Academy (BHA) is proud to announce the positive findings of its latest Ofsted inspection.
During the 2-day inspection, inspectors highlighted the transformational work undertaken by school leaders, governors, staff and the Frank Field Education Trust, which recognises the considerable improvements made across the school over the past two years.
Ofsted confirmed that ‘the school no longer requires significant improvement’ and recognised that ‘Leaders ongoing school improvement work has resulted in positive changes.’
The report noted that pupils, staff, parents and carers talk about how much the school has improved… and can see that leaders’ actions are making day-to-day life in school better’. Inspectors added ‘…parents comment on how much the school has improved and the strength of school leaders’.
Pupils report feeling safe and cared for, with confidence that any incidents of bullying will be dealt with effectively. Inspectors also found that behaviour has improved significantly over the last two years, ‘creating a calm and orderly environment for learning’.
A key strength identified by Ofsted was the academy’s inclusive culture. Leaders were praised for ensuring that disadvantaged pupils, those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), pupils known to social care, those joining the school mid-year and pupils new to the country are considered in all decision-making.
Inspectors recognised that recent curriculum developments are already beginning to have a positive impact, with changes helping pupils to know and remember more over time. The school’s clear strategy to improve literacy, numeracy and communication skills is also making a real difference, particularly for pupils who need support to become confident and fluent readers.
The academy’s safeguarding culture was judged to meet all required standards, with inspectors confirming that leaders have ‘established an open and positive culture where safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility and concerns are identified, acted upon and managed effectively. As a result, pupils are made safer and feel safe’.
Ofsted also praised the school’s strong pastoral system, describing it as a ‘strength of the academy’. Pastoral, safeguarding and inclusion teams were recognised for working closely together to ensure pupils receive the support they need to thrive both academically and personally. Inspectors noted, ‘pupils understand what is expected of their behaviour. They appreciate the clear systems such as morning ‘line up’, that help them to meet these expectations’.
The inspection highlighted the success of the academy’s expanding “Be More” programme, ‘which supports pupils wider personal, social and cultural development . These initiatives are helping ‘pupils develop the skills and personal qualities that will help them to lead a ‘choice-filled life’.
The report added that ‘Leaders at all levels work with pupils’ best interests at heart’ adding ‘Trust and local governance are robust and support school improvement well. All are committed to making Birches Head Academy the best school it can be and one where pupils flourish.’
Principal, Mr Paul Masher commented: “We are delighted that Ofsted has recognised the significant progress made by Birches Head Academy over the recent years. This report reflects the dedication of our staff, the resilience of our pupils and the support of our families, governors and the Frank Field Education Trust.