Ofsted conducted a monitoring inspection of Barrow Hill Primary Academy on January 31, 2024, following two successive judgments of requires improvement. The purpose of this inspection was to assess the progress made by the school since its last graded inspection and to identify areas for further development. The inspection involved discussions with various leaders, including the executive primary lead, the chief executive officer of the trust, and other key staff members. The inspector also visited lessons, observed an assembly, and spoke with pupils and staff to gather a comprehensive view of the school's current situation.
The findings indicate that while progress has been made, further work is necessary for the school to achieve a good rating. Since the last inspection in 2022, there have been significant changes in staffing, including the appointment of a lead teacher responsible for the curriculum and adjustments to subject leadership roles. The school has prioritized the refinement of its curriculum, focusing on reading, writing, and mathematics. Leaders have worked to develop the expertise of staff, ensuring they possess the necessary knowledge to deliver effective lessons. However, inconsistencies in curriculum delivery remain, and additional efforts are needed to help pupils learn and retain knowledge over time.
The school has established clear targets for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, ensuring that teachers are equipped to support these students effectively in lessons. Support from the multi-academy trust has been instrumental in refining the school's systems, policies, and procedures, leading to improved behavior management, attendance, and communication with parents. The trustees and members of the academy improvement board are well-informed about the school and provide valuable support and challenge to the leadership team. Staff members have expressed positive feedback regarding the changes implemented and appreciate the professional development opportunities provided.
Efforts to improve pupil behavior have resulted in a calm atmosphere within the school. Pupils report that staff manage behavior fairly and consistently, fostering positive relationships among students. Incidents of bullying and teasing are rare, and when they do occur, pupils trust that staff will address them promptly. In the early years, the curriculum is well-planned and sequenced, preparing children for their next educational stages. However, in key stages one and two, there is still work to be done to enhance pupils' understanding of different faiths and cultures. While improvements have begun in this area, the impact is not yet fully realized.
The school has sought assistance from various external partners, including regional hubs for mathematics, English, and behavior, as well as another local multi-academy trust. This collaboration has provided leaders and staff with valuable support and challenges, contributing to the ongoing development of the school.
In summary, Barrow Hill Primary Academy has made notable progress since the last inspection, with improvements in curriculum development, behavior management, and support for pupils with special educational needs. However, there are still areas that require further attention to ensure that the school can achieve a good rating in the future. Continued focus on consistency in curriculum delivery, enhancing cultural understanding, and leveraging external support will be essential for the school's ongoing improvement journey. The leadership team is encouraged to maintain momentum and address the identified areas for development to secure a positive outcome in future inspections.
