Meadowside Academy, located in Knaresborough, North Yorkshire, has recently undergone an inspection that highlighted its overall effectiveness as good across various aspects including the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. The school, which has not been inspected since December 2012 due to its previous outstanding rating, is now part of the Elevate Multi Academy Trust. The headteacher, Kerry Williams-Kendall, leads a dedicated team that fosters a supportive and high-expectation environment for pupils.
The school is characterized by its welcoming atmosphere where pupils are encouraged to understand and accept differences among their peers. Staff members are noted for their support and commitment to helping students achieve their best. The early years provision is particularly strong, providing a nurturing environment that sets a solid foundation for children's education. Relationships between pupils and staff are excellent, contributing to a positive school culture where pupils feel happy and secure.
Meadowside Academy emphasizes the importance of resilience and resourcefulness, values that are well understood and modeled by both staff and pupils. The curriculum has been thoughtfully revised to meet the needs and interests of the students, resulting in a well-planned and ambitious educational framework. However, some foundation subjects are still new, leading to less secure knowledge retention among pupils in those areas. In contrast, pupils demonstrate strong recall and performance in other subjects, particularly in external assessments.
Effective questioning techniques are employed by staff to promote discussion and gauge pupil understanding, especially in early years settings. However, the assessment of older pupils' knowledge over time, particularly in foundation subjects, requires further development. The school is actively working on establishing a robust assessment process to address this gap.
Reading is a significant focus at Meadowside Academy, with children in the early years quickly learning to read. This strong foundation fosters confidence in older pupils, who enjoy a diverse range of literature. The school's library is well-stocked with various authors to cater to pupils' interests, and the phonics teaching approach is highly effective. Leaders monitor each pupil's reading journey closely, ensuring that those needing additional support receive it from skilled staff.
Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities are an integral part of the school community. The school is committed to meeting their diverse and often complex needs through tailored adjustments in lessons and additional support. However, there is a recognition that the support for these pupils requires further refinement to ensure it is precise and effective.
Behavior among pupils is generally polite and respectful, with a positive atmosphere fostered by new behavior and rewards systems. The school actively promotes personal development, teaching pupils about online safety, healthy eating, and respect for diversity. Bullying is rare, and the school's ethos of nurturing courage, curiosity, and kindness is well understood by the community.
Staff members feel supported by leadership and benefit from a comprehensive training program. The commitment of leaders at all levels to the well-being and success of pupils is evident. The school is continuously seeking to enhance its provision, particularly for pupils with significant additional needs, ensuring that all students receive the support they require to thrive academically and personally. Overall, Meadowside Academy is a school that prioritizes the holistic development of its pupils while striving for continuous improvement in its educational offerings.