Ofsted conducted a monitoring inspection of Middleton Church of England Primary Academy on June 7 and 8, 2023, following the school's previous inspection in May 2022, which deemed it inadequate and in need of special measures. The inspection aimed to assess the progress made since the last evaluation. The findings indicate that while the school remains in inadequate status and requires special measures, there have been notable improvements led by the interim headteacher, Chris Read, and his dedicated team.
The leadership team has shown determination to enhance the quality of education for all pupils. They have focused on curriculum development, which has resulted in clearer guidance for teachers regarding essential knowledge that students need to acquire. Subjects such as design and technology, physical education, and history have seen a well-structured curriculum that helps students connect prior knowledge with new learning. Younger pupils are now retaining much of what they are taught, although older pupils still face challenges due to previous gaps in their education.
Support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities has improved, with tailored assistance in reading, writing, and mathematics. Teachers are now more aware of the incremental steps necessary for these pupils to succeed. However, some students with SEND still struggle in other subjects, indicating that further adaptations are needed to ensure their success across the curriculum. The school is actively working to enhance teachers' subject knowledge to better support these students.
The phonics program at the school has been successfully established, enabling younger children to read with confidence and accuracy. The training provided to staff has ensured that the phonics instruction is delivered effectively, resulting in minimal need for additional reading support among younger pupils. Older students who continue to face reading difficulties receive targeted assistance from well-trained teaching assistants, helping them to catch up on lost ground.
Behavior management within the school has also improved, with most pupils displaying good behavior. A systematic approach to recording behavior incidents has been implemented, allowing leaders to monitor and manage behavior more effectively. This proactive strategy has contributed to a calm and safe learning environment for all students.
Despite the progress made, the leadership capacity remains underdeveloped, relying heavily on a small number of skilled individuals. The trust overseeing the school has plans to ensure stability in leadership, which is crucial for sustaining the improvements achieved thus far. The improvement plans are sensible and appropriate but require time for full implementation and effectiveness.
The trust's improvement group plays a vital role in monitoring the school's progress, ensuring that leaders remain focused on their goals. The improvement planning is precise and manageable, allowing staff to feel valued and proud of their contributions to the school's development. The supportive culture fostered by the leadership has encouraged staff commitment to ongoing improvement.
Overall, while Middleton Church of England Primary Academy continues to face challenges, the commitment of the leadership team and staff is evident in the strides made towards enhancing the educational experience for pupils. The school is on a path of improvement, with clear plans in place to address remaining issues and build upon the progress achieved. The ongoing support from the trust and external agencies is tailored to the school's specific needs, further aiding its development.
