Ofsted conducted a monitoring inspection of Akaal Primary School on June 21, 2023, following two successive judgments of requires improvement. The inspection aimed to assess the progress made by the school since its last graded inspection. The current leadership, including the executive headteacher and the newly appointed headteacher, has taken significant steps to address the areas identified for improvement. The school is set to join a multi-academy trust in the autumn term, which has provided interim leadership support.
During the inspection, discussions were held with school leaders, staff, and governors regarding the actions taken to enhance the school’s performance. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the school community was also considered. The inspection included classroom visits, scrutiny of pupils' work, and an evaluation of the school’s curriculum and provision for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
The findings indicate that while Akaal Primary School continues to require improvement, there has been notable progress. The leadership team has quickly renewed the school’s vision and embraced previous inspection findings to inform their improvement planning. They have recognized the urgency to enhance the curriculum to ensure that all pupils achieve their potential. Collaboration among teaching and non-teaching staff has been emphasized, leading to improved staff morale and a sense of empowerment among educators.
The school has made strides in providing early career teachers with the necessary professional development, rectifying previous shortcomings in this area. The curriculum is undergoing a significant transformation, with a new timetable implemented that includes daily lessons in reading, writing, and mathematics. Discrete learning sessions for foundation subjects have also been introduced, and leaders are working to identify key knowledge and vocabulary for pupils to learn progressively from Reception to Year 6.
These curriculum changes are beginning to yield positive results, although it is still early to assess their full impact on pupil achievement. Pupils have expressed their appreciation for the changes, noting that the new organization of subjects helps them retain information better. The school has also improved its oversight of SEND provision, ensuring that pupils with additional needs receive the same curriculum as their peers. Staff have become better informed about supporting these pupils, and additional training has strengthened their ability to provide effective classroom support.
Governors are actively engaged in their roles, understanding their responsibilities and enhancing their skills to hold leaders accountable. They have collaborated with external agencies to support necessary changes within the school. The relationship between governors and leaders is characterized by positivity and purpose, with governors well-informed about the school’s development priorities and progress.
The support from the multi-academy trust, which the school is set to join, has been beneficial in establishing a strategic direction for improvement. Leaders have received guidance in enhancing the school’s provision, contributing to the overall development of the school.
In summary, Akaal Primary School is on a path of improvement, with leadership demonstrating a commitment to enhancing the educational experience for all pupils. While challenges remain, the steps taken thus far indicate a positive trajectory towards achieving a good standard of education. The school community is beginning to feel the effects of renewed ambition and clarity in its curriculum, with a focus on ensuring that all pupils, including those with SEND, receive the support they need to succeed. The ongoing collaboration among staff, governors, and external partners will be crucial in sustaining this momentum and achieving the desired outcomes for the school.
