Ofsted conducted an urgent inspection of Maltings Academy on May 1, 2024, to assess the effectiveness of safeguarding arrangements following concerns about the quality of education, particularly for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and issues related to behavior and attitudes. The inspection was unannounced and aimed to gather evidence regarding the school's current practices and improvements.
The inspection team reviewed the single central record and engaged with school leaders, including the executive principal, principal designate, and senior leaders, to discuss safeguarding and child protection measures. They also visited classrooms and spoke with groups of pupils to understand their experiences at the school. The findings indicate that safeguarding arrangements are effective, and the actions taken by the leadership team to improve the provision for pupils are beginning to yield positive results.
The school has implemented systems to manage pupil behavior and has worked to change the overall culture within the institution. Explicit teaching of behavioral expectations has clarified how pupils should conduct themselves, leading to increased confidence among staff in modeling and enforcing these behaviors. While some disruptions to learning due to poor behavior still occur, they are decreasing, and pupils report a more enjoyable learning environment. The introduction of the Maltings Way has fostered a culture of respect among pupils, resulting in a reduction in incidents of unkind behavior and an increase in confidence regarding reporting bullying.
Daily reviews of behavior and safeguarding reports allow the leadership to address issues promptly, demonstrating a commitment to tackling concerns that affect pupils. The school has established a culture where every pupil feels safe, with systems in place to support those who are vulnerable. Records indicate a clear understanding of the challenges faced by pupils and the support provided to address these issues. However, some pupils still express concerns about feeling unsafe in certain aspects of school life, often linked to past experiences that are now being addressed.
The school has also begun to tackle historical weaknesses in the provision for pupils with SEND. Communication between families, pupils, and staff has improved, although some information provided to support teachers lacks the necessary detail for effective adaptation of teaching methods. Support for pupils with SEND has increased, with resources available to help them manage their emotions and re-engage with learning. Many pupils with SEND are participating in and enjoying the broader school life.
While the current provision for pupils is not yet at the desired standard, the leadership team is committed to ensuring that all pupils receive high-quality education as soon as possible. They have developed well-thought-out plans to address key issues, and pupils are beginning to benefit from the improvements already made. The trust has provided significant support, ensuring that additional leadership capacity and resources are available to address priority issues swiftly. The collaboration with the local authority has further strengthened the effectiveness of safeguarding measures.
Overall, the inspection findings reflect a school that is making strides in improving its environment and educational offerings, with a focus on safety, respect, and support for all pupils, particularly those with additional needs. The leadership's commitment to continuous improvement is evident, and while challenges remain, the foundation for positive change is being established.
