Lime Academy Watergall, located in Peterborough, underwent an inspection on July 9 and 10, 2024, and received an overall effectiveness rating of Requires Improvement. The school, which is part of The Lime Academy Trust, is led by headteacher Andy Buffham and overseen by CEO Kirsten Jowett and a board of trustees chaired by Christopher Cole. The inspection highlighted several areas of strength and areas needing improvement.
The quality of education at Lime Academy Watergall is currently not meeting expectations beyond the early years. While children in the early years demonstrate positive attitudes and make a strong start, the curriculum for older pupils is not yet effectively implemented. As a result, pupils do not consistently achieve well. Although many pupils behave well, there are instances where focus is lost during lessons, leading to disruptive behavior that affects the learning environment. Outside of the classroom, pupils generally play well together, but there are occasional incidents of unkind behavior.
The school provides good support for pupils' social and emotional needs through a dedicated pastoral team, which helps families and enhances pupils' readiness to learn. Attendance is good, and pupils are encouraged to engage in various clubs and activities that broaden their horizons. Notable initiatives include partnerships with organizations like the Birmingham Royal Ballet and opportunities for residential trips that foster independence and resilience.
The curriculum is ambitious and aims to provide a high-quality education for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. However, inconsistencies in teaching practices due to significant staff turnover have hindered the delivery of a consistently high-quality learning experience. Some subjects are more established than others, leading to gaps in knowledge and understanding for pupils in less developed areas of the curriculum.
Expectations for pupil performance vary across subjects, with some teachers maintaining high standards while others do not. This inconsistency has resulted in unchecked errors in grammar, punctuation, and spelling, which affects pupils' ability to communicate their learning effectively. The school prioritizes reading and has implemented a well-designed phonics program, enabling most pupils to become fluent readers. The range of quality texts available for older pupils is also being expanded to foster a love of reading.
The early years provision is a strength of the school, with consistent staffing and clear routines that help children settle into learning quickly. The curriculum effectively builds knowledge in early reading and mathematics, preparing children for future learning. Pupils with special educational needs are well supported, with tailored interventions that allow them to learn alongside their peers.
Despite high expectations for behavior, staff do not consistently manage behavior as intended, leading to disruptions in learning. The school recognizes the need for further training and support for staff to ensure a consistent approach to behavior management. The personal development curriculum is well-structured, teaching pupils about health, safety, and the importance of equality and diversity.
The trust and governors are committed to supporting the school in its improvement journey. They acknowledge the progress made but recognize the need for further enhancements to ensure that pupils achieve better outcomes. The safeguarding arrangements in place are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. Overall, while Lime Academy Watergall has strengths, particularly in early years and personal development, significant work is needed to improve the quality of education and behavior management across the school.
