Ofsted conducted a monitoring inspection of Thomas Hinderwell Primary Academy on April 12, 2024, following a previous judgment of requires improvement. The inspection aimed to assess the progress made by the school since its last graded inspection. The principal, Chloe Webster, has been in her role since February 2023 and has implemented several changes to enhance the school's performance. The inspection involved discussions with senior leaders, representatives from the academy scrutiny committee, and trust representatives, as well as classroom observations and reviews of student work.
The findings indicate that while progress has been made, further improvements are necessary for the school to achieve a good rating. The school has focused on reducing persistent absenteeism, which remains a concern, as a significant number of students miss valuable learning opportunities. The leadership team has made strides in improving the curriculum and ensuring that staff are well-trained and supported. This has led to an increase in the school's capacity to enhance the quality of education provided to students.
Teachers demonstrate strong subject knowledge and maintain a consistent focus on students' acquisition of essential skills and vocabulary across the curriculum. Assessment practices are used effectively to gauge students' starting points, allowing for structured learning and opportunities for students to consolidate their understanding. Lessons are engaging, fostering positive attitudes toward learning among students. Pupils are able to articulate their learning experiences, showcasing their understanding in subjects such as music and science.
Leaders have taken decisive actions to address previous areas for improvement, collaborating with other senior leaders and trust colleagues to review and adjust school provisions. The academy scrutiny committee is well-informed and actively holds leaders accountable for their actions. The support from the trust has positively impacted the school, with some leaders now providing assistance to other schools within the trust. The changes implemented have been managed with consideration for staff workload and well-being, resulting in a supportive environment where staff feel valued.
Efforts to improve student behavior have been effective, with new zones established in the playground to mitigate issues during unstructured times. Pupils understand the expectations within these zones and engage in positive interactions. The school has seen a decrease in fixed-term exclusions, indicating an improvement in behavior management. However, the rate of persistent absenteeism remains higher than national averages, which continues to hinder some students' learning progress. The school is actively addressing this issue, and while initial steps have shown promise, further efforts are needed to achieve lower levels of absenteeism.
In summary, Thomas Hinderwell Primary Academy has made notable progress under the leadership of Chloe Webster, with improvements in curriculum delivery, staff training, and student behavior. However, the school must continue to focus on reducing persistent absenteeism to ensure that all students can fully benefit from their educational opportunities. The commitment of the leadership team, staff, and trust representatives is evident, and with ongoing efforts, the school is on a path toward further improvement.
