Ofsted conducted a monitoring inspection of Lea Hall Academy on June 26 and 27, 2024, following the school's previous grading that required special measures in July 2023. The purpose of this inspection was to assess the progress made since the last evaluation rather than to assign an overall effectiveness grade. The inspection involved discussions with the headteacher, senior leaders, the CEO of the trust, and other stakeholders, as well as classroom visits and document reviews.
The findings indicate that while progress has been made, further work is necessary for the school to be removed from special measures. A new leadership team has been appointed, which has been in place since April 2024. This team has been tasked with driving improvements and has increased the school's capacity for change. Staffing stability has improved, with a reduction in reliance on supply staff, which is crucial for fostering a consistent learning environment.
The school's improvement plan is focused on key areas that require attention, and leaders have identified specific actions to achieve sustained impact. Significant work has begun on curriculum development, particularly in core subjects such as English, mathematics, science, and physical education. Learning overviews are now established, allowing teachers to understand the sequence of learning and support students in reaching their educational goals. However, there is still much to be done in other subjects, especially in key stage three, where a formal curriculum has been lacking.
Recognizing the challenges posed by poor reading skills among students, the school has appointed an assistant headteacher to lead initiatives aimed at improving literacy. A phonics program has been implemented, and staff have received training to support students in developing their reading abilities. Parent workshops have also been introduced to help families support reading at home. While it is too early to measure the overall impact of these initiatives, some individual successes have been noted.
The school is also working to enhance students' love of reading through daily sessions dedicated to reading for pleasure. However, vocabulary development remains a challenge, and leaders understand the need to integrate vocabulary enhancement across all subjects as the curriculum evolves.
In addition to academic improvements, the school has raised expectations for student behavior through a new behavior policy, which has been generally well-received by staff. Although some staff members feel hesitant to challenge aspects of the policy due to communication issues, overall student behavior has improved significantly. Students express pride in meeting higher expectations and appreciate the increased opportunities for school trips and activities.
Safeguarding measures have been strengthened, with improved processes ensuring that all concerns are reported and addressed promptly. Staff are now more aware of the importance of safeguarding, and students feel confident that they can seek help when needed. The school has also identified local risks and developed programs to educate students on safety.
The trust has provided effective support to the school, recognizing the need for increased leadership capacity. As the new leadership team has taken shape, the trust has shifted to a role of greater challenge, ensuring that all leaders share a common vision for improvement. While there is still considerable work ahead, the foundations for progress are now in place, and there is a sense of optimism about the school's future.
