Ofsted conducted a short inspection of Pictor Academy on 22 January 2019, following its previous outstanding judgment in January 2015. The inspection confirmed that the school continues to provide an outstanding quality of education. The leadership team has effectively maintained this high standard, demonstrating a commitment to improving educational experiences for all pupils. The school community shares a clear vision, and parents express overwhelming positivity about the school, highlighting the supportive atmosphere and the dedication of the staff to the pupils' best interests.
Since the last inspection, the school has adapted to an expanded range of pupils' needs, including those with complex requirements. Leaders have responded promptly by installing specialist equipment and creating supportive environments to cater to these needs. The school’s approach ensures that all pupils receive the necessary support to thrive, resulting in happy and confident learners.
The school has successfully addressed previous areas for improvement by developing a curriculum that meets the diverse needs of its pupils. Teachers are skilled in personalizing instruction, ensuring that each pupil's learning is tailored to their individual requirements. This personalized approach has led to significant progress for most pupils, with records showing improvements in physical, social, and academic skills.
Pictor Academy places a strong emphasis on developing pupils' reading, writing, and number skills. Evidence of progress is visible in pupils' work, with staff utilizing every opportunity to enhance personal, social, emotional, and physical development. The school’s curriculum encourages active learning, as seen in various activities that promote engagement and skill development.
The safeguarding measures in place are effective, with a strong culture of safety throughout the school. The safeguarding team ensures that all arrangements are thorough and compliant, with staff trained to recognize and report any concerns. The school maintains detailed records and conducts risk assessments to ensure a safe environment for all pupils.
The inspection also focused on pupils' behavior, which is managed effectively through well-established systems. Staff are adept at addressing behavioral concerns promptly, employing strategies that help de-escalate situations and support pupils in returning to learning. The school’s approach to behavior management is individualized, with strong communication between staff and parents to facilitate positive changes.
Additionally, the use of pupil premium funding has been effective in addressing barriers to learning for disadvantaged pupils, particularly in communication. The school has implemented additional support, including speech and language therapy, which has significantly impacted the progress of these pupils.
Attendance is closely monitored, with leaders taking swift action to address any issues. The family support worker plays a crucial role in helping families overcome barriers to regular attendance, resulting in improvements in this area.
Finally, the school prepares pupils well for their transition to secondary education, starting the process in Year 5. Strong partnerships with secondary schools ensure that pupils receive the necessary support and information for a smooth transition.
Overall, Pictor Academy continues to excel in providing an outstanding education, with effective leadership, a strong curriculum, and a commitment to the well-being and progress of all pupils. The next steps involve further developing the curriculum and assessment model to enhance progress across a broader range of subjects.
