Ofsted conducted a visit to The Eastwood Academy on 22 October 2020, as part of their efforts to understand how schools are managing the return to full education following the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. This visit was not an inspection and did not involve graded judgments or the usual range of inspection activities. Instead, it focused on discussions with school leaders about the actions taken since the full reopening of schools in September 2020.
During the visit, the inspectors spoke with the principal and a vice-principal, but did not engage with pupils due to protective measures in place. The visit aimed to gather insights that would contribute to Ofsted's national reporting on the education sector's response to the pandemic. The findings from this visit indicated that the school had successfully reopened to all year groups by 3 September 2020, with attendance levels aligning closely with pre-pandemic norms.
The school has maintained its usual curriculum offerings, and to address the challenges posed by the pandemic, additional teachers were employed in core subjects such as English, mathematics, science, and French. This strategic move aimed to reduce class sizes and provide targeted support to pupils who may have missed or struggled with content during the school closures. The leadership team conducted a thorough review of the curriculum to identify gaps in learning that occurred between March and July 2020, and they have implemented regular assessments to monitor pupils' understanding.
The visit highlighted that Year 7 pupils exhibited more significant gaps in their understanding than typically observed. In response, the school has utilized additional staffing in English and mathematics to help these pupils catch up. For Year 11 students, the school has advanced its provision of additional teaching, offering optional lessons before school and compulsory sessions after school to ensure they are well-prepared for their upcoming examinations.
The school has also developed contingency plans, including a separate timetable for remote learning should it become necessary to send a 'bubble' home or close the school due to COVID-19. This plan includes the use of videoconferencing to deliver lessons while pupils work through provided materials, ensuring continuity in their education.
Overall, the visit did not reveal any significant concerns regarding the school's response to the challenges posed by the pandemic. The proactive measures taken by the leadership team, including the employment of additional staff and the implementation of targeted support for pupils, demonstrate a commitment to maintaining educational standards and addressing the needs of all students. The insights gathered during this visit will contribute to a broader understanding of how schools across England are navigating the complexities of returning to full education in the wake of COVID-19. The information will be shared with the government and the education sector to inform future policy decisions. The letter summarizing the visit will be published on the Ofsted website, ensuring transparency and accountability in the school's operations during this unprecedented time.
