Moorhouse Academy, located in Milnrow, Rochdale, was inspected on 17 and 18 October 2023. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as good, with consistent ratings of good across all key areas including the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. The headteacher, Kelly Milnes, leads the school, which is part of the Watergrove Trust, overseen by CEO Mark Moorhouse and a board of trustees chaired by Colin McKenzie.
Pupils at Moorhouse Academy thrive in an environment that promotes high expectations for achievement. Since joining the multi-academy trust, the school has raised its standards, ensuring that many pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, achieve well. Positive relationships between pupils and adults contribute to a supportive atmosphere where pupils feel safe and valued. The school fosters a culture of kindness and respect, which enhances pupils' happiness and sense of security.
Behaviour is commendable across the school, with children in early years and pupils in Years 1 to 6 demonstrating good conduct in lessons and during playtimes. Younger children exhibit independence, taking responsibility for their activities and maintaining cleanliness in their environment. Pupils show curiosity about the world, engaging in first-hand experiences such as farm visits and exhibitions, which enrich their learning. They also participate in various clubs, including choir and sports, and value leadership opportunities within the school community.
The school has made significant improvements to its curriculum following previous weaknesses identified in 2022, which were exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The curriculum is now broad, balanced, and ambitious, with clear learning pathways established from early years to Year 6. Teachers effectively check pupils' understanding and prior knowledge, ensuring that learning is built upon solid foundations. The school prioritizes the development of teachers' subject knowledge, enabling them to deliver well-structured lessons that support pupils' retention of knowledge.
Reading is emphasized throughout the school, with early years children learning sounds through engaging stories and rhymes. The school ensures that reading materials are appropriately matched to pupils' abilities, fostering confidence in their reading skills. However, there is a need for improvement in encouraging older pupils to explore a wider range of literature independently, as some do not take full advantage of the diverse reading options available.
While pupils generally enjoy their lessons and exhibit courteous behaviour, the school faces challenges with attendance. Some pupils do not attend regularly, which impacts their learning. The school is working to improve the timeliness of its actions regarding attendance issues. Additionally, the school promotes understanding and acceptance of diverse cultures and faiths, preparing pupils for life in modern British society.
Staff express high levels of satisfaction with the school, appreciating the support for their well-being and manageable workloads. Parents and carers value the approachable nature of staff and the involvement in workshops to support their children's learning. Governors and trustees are actively engaged in the school's priorities, providing support and challenge to ensure high-quality education for all pupils.
The safeguarding arrangements at Moorhouse Academy are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all students. Overall, the school has made commendable progress since its conversion to an academy, and with continued focus on attendance and broadening reading choices, it is well-positioned for future success.
