Ofsted conducted a monitoring inspection of Marden Vale CofE Academy on 17 October 2024, following the school's previous graded inspection in October 2023. The purpose of this inspection was to assess the progress made by the school since the last evaluation, rather than to assign grades. The inspection involved discussions with the headteacher, deputy headteacher, chief executive officer, senior leaders from the Diocese of Salisbury academy trust, and the chair of the academy standards and ethos committee. The inspector also met with subject leaders, observed lessons, reviewed pupils' work, interacted with students, and examined safeguarding documents.
The findings indicate that while the school has made progress in several areas, there are still aspects that require further improvement. The school is encouraged to enhance the use of assessment in the wider curriculum to better evaluate what pupils know and remember. Additionally, it is essential for all staff to receive necessary training promptly after their start date. The school should also ensure that incidents are recorded in detail, including actions taken, and that checks on alternative provisions used by pupils are timely and thorough.
Since the last inspection, the headteacher and many staff members have become more established in their roles, contributing to a more stable staffing environment. A special educational needs and disabilities coordinator is now in place, which has positively impacted the school’s ability to address the needs of all pupils. The delivery of early reading has improved significantly through the phonics curriculum, with staff receiving expert training that they apply effectively in the classroom. This has led to better outcomes in the Year 1 phonics screening check.
The school has also reviewed the quality of content across various subjects, ensuring that it aligns with the national curriculum's ambitions. Subject leaders have gained a clearer understanding of the learning progression from early years to Year 6, and classroom teachers are receiving training to enhance their subject knowledge. However, there is still work to be done to further embed these improvements, particularly in the assessment processes for foundation subjects, which are still in the early stages of development.
The trust has recognized the need for improvements across multiple areas and has established action plans with clear, measurable targets. Regular reviews of progress towards these goals are conducted, and staff benefit from collaboration with other schools within the trust. Some staff members from Marden Vale are now leading curriculum working parties, showcasing their expertise.
Despite these advancements, the inspection revealed that certain systems and processes could be improved. While the school takes prompt action in response to incidents or concerns regarding pupils, the documentation of these actions sometimes lacks sufficient detail. Additionally, the procedures for verifying alternative provisions and ensuring the completion of staff training need to be strengthened.
In summary, Marden Vale CofE Academy has made notable progress since the last inspection, particularly in early reading and curriculum development. However, there are still areas that require attention, including assessment practices, staff training, and record-keeping related to incidents and alternative provisions. The school is on a positive trajectory, but continued focus on these areas will be essential for sustained improvement.
