Ofsted conducted a monitoring inspection of Lea Manor High School Performing Arts College on March 8 and 9, 2022, following its designation as requiring special measures after a previous inspection in July 2021. The inspection aimed to evaluate the progress made since the last report, particularly in safeguarding and the overall quality of education. The findings indicate that while the school remains inadequate, effective actions are being taken towards improvement.
Significant changes in leadership have occurred since the last inspection, with an interim executive board assuming governance in January 2022 and an acting headteacher leading the school. A new special educational needs coordinator has also been appointed, and the safeguarding team has expanded, enhancing the school's capacity to protect its students. The inspection highlighted that safeguarding procedures have improved significantly, with a more robust team in place and better communication regarding referrals. Staff training has been updated, ensuring that teachers are equipped to identify and respond to potential risks to students.
The report noted that the school has developed a wider range of early help services for vulnerable pupils, fostering a more supportive environment. Many students feel that their concerns are taken seriously, and there is a growing confidence in the school's ability to address issues such as bullying. However, some pupils still express a desire for quicker responses to bullying incidents, indicating that further work is needed in this area.
In terms of behavior management, the school has implemented a new system that is beginning to show positive results. There is a noted improvement in the consistency of how teachers manage behavior, and students report a more positive atmosphere. Nevertheless, there are still inconsistencies in how behavior is addressed across the school, which could undermine the progress made.
The leadership team is now focusing on enhancing the quality of education provided to students. While they have reviewed the curriculum and identified areas for improvement, the implementation of new curriculum plans is still in progress. Some staff have begun to adopt more effective teaching strategies, but this remains inconsistent across the school. Additionally, while the identification of students with special educational needs has improved, there is still a need for teachers to be better informed about the strategies required to support these pupils effectively.
The local authority has been proactive in supporting the school, working closely with the interim executive board to ensure that the necessary capacity and challenge are in place for continued improvement. The school’s improvement plans are deemed fit for purpose, and the local authority's statement of action is also considered appropriate.
Overall, while the school continues to face challenges, there is a clear commitment from leaders to address the issues identified in previous inspections. The steps taken to improve safeguarding and behavior management are encouraging, and the school is beginning to shift its focus towards enhancing educational outcomes for all students. Continued collaboration with the local authority and the interim executive board will be crucial in maintaining momentum and ensuring that the school can achieve the necessary improvements to exit special measures.
