West Vale Academy, located in Halifax, West Yorkshire, underwent its first inspection since becoming an academy in March 2018. The inspection, conducted on June 22 and 23, 2022, resulted in an overall effectiveness rating of Good. The quality of education, personal development, leadership, and management were also rated as Good, while behavior and attitudes were noted as requiring improvement. The school has made significant progress since its previous inadequate rating as West Vale Primary School.
The interim principal and the senior leadership team have effectively driven improvements, ensuring that pupils are making good progress and achieving well. The governors are actively collaborating with the incoming principal to maintain this momentum. Most pupils exhibit good behavior, although a small number disrupt learning, indicating that behavior management strategies need further enhancement. The interim leaders have initiated steps to address these issues, and early signs of improvement are evident.
Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities thrive at West Vale Academy, thanks to well-trained staff who accurately identify and support their needs. The curriculum is tailored to ensure that all pupils, including those with additional needs, can participate fully in lessons. The early years provision is particularly strong, with children receiving a solid foundation in reading and mathematics. The curriculum is designed to cater to individual needs, allowing children to develop confidence in their abilities.
The school has implemented a well-structured curriculum that prepares pupils effectively for future learning. In reading, the phonics program is delivered efficiently, enabling pupils to progress quickly. Teachers utilize assessment effectively to gauge understanding and ensure that pupils are ready to advance before moving on to new content. The provision for pupils with SEND is improving rapidly, with leaders focused on ensuring these pupils keep pace with their peers.
West Vale Academy also emphasizes personal development, offering a curriculum that includes economic education. Pupils engage in discussions about money management, which helps them consider future career options. This approach prepares them for adult life and instills a sense of responsibility regarding financial matters.
Despite the overall positive findings, the inspection highlighted areas for improvement, particularly concerning behavior. Some pupils exhibit poor attitudes to learning, which disrupts the educational experience for others. Leaders are tasked with ensuring consistent behavior across all lessons and addressing instances of unkindness among pupils, particularly towards those with protected characteristics. The school is committed to fostering a safe and respectful environment where bullying is not tolerated.
Safeguarding measures at West Vale Academy are effective, with leaders ensuring that all necessary recruitment checks are conducted. Staff are trained to identify pupils at risk and respond promptly to any concerns. The school promotes safety awareness among pupils, including online safety, and encourages healthy practices during outdoor learning.
In summary, West Vale Academy has made commendable strides in its development since its last inspection. The leadership team is focused on sustaining improvements, particularly in behavior management, to ensure that all pupils can thrive in a supportive and conducive learning environment. The school is well-positioned to continue its positive trajectory, with a strong foundation in place for future success.
