The Harbour School, located in Wilburton, Ely, Cambridgeshire, underwent an inspection on December 5 and 6, 2023. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as requiring improvement, with the quality of education also falling into the same category. However, the school demonstrated good performance in areas such as behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management. The headteacher, Lise Sugden, leads the school, which is part of the Meridian Trust, overseen by CEO Mark Woods and a board of trustees chaired by Shirley Jamieson. The school has not been previously inspected under the Education Act 2005.
The Harbour School is dedicated to providing a supportive environment for its pupils, many of whom have complex prior experiences. Staff members are attentive to the emotional and well-being needs of students, offering appropriate support to help them navigate challenges. The school promotes a range of engaging activities, including regular trips that enhance pupils' confidence and social interactions. The curriculum includes a personal, social, health, and economic education (PSHE) program that effectively addresses important topics such as respect, risk, and consent.
Despite the positive aspects, the school recognizes the need for further improvement in its curriculum to ensure that pupils achieve their best. Since joining the new trust, the school has made strides in addressing previous issues, including site safety and behaviour management. The current focus is on redesigning the curriculum to better cater to the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) of pupils. However, the process of redeveloping the curriculum and assessment approaches is ongoing, leading to some subjects lacking clarity in the knowledge that should be taught.
The school has implemented a rigorous reading curriculum, with staff receiving high-quality training to support pupils in developing their reading skills. Upon joining the school, pupils' reading knowledge is assessed, and a phonics curriculum is in place to address gaps. Many pupils are becoming confident and fluent readers as a result of these efforts.
The school effectively supports pupils with SEND, ensuring that their individual needs are met through regular reviews and collaboration with families and external agencies. The behaviour management approach has been successful for most pupils, leading to positive attitudes towards school life and a reduction in suspensions. However, there are instances where staff do not consistently apply behaviour strategies, which can hinder some pupils' ability to regain focus.
Attendance has significantly improved since many pupils joined the school with poor attendance records. Staff work closely with families to address barriers to attendance. The PSHE curriculum fosters understanding and respect for diversity among pupils, while extracurricular activities contribute to their resilience and self-worth. The careers program provides valuable guidance for pupils' future steps, with nearly all moving on to further study or employment.
The school is committed to continuous improvement, with trustees and academy councillors actively monitoring and challenging the school's performance. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. To enhance the quality of education further, the school must continue refining its curriculum plans, aligning assessments with the new curriculum, and ensuring consistent application of behaviour management strategies among all staff.
