Fareham Academy committed to 'accelerating improvements' following Ofsted visit
Improvements are underway at a secondary school which has recently been inspected by Ofsted
An inspection, which took place at Fareham Academy, in St Anne's Grove, on February 3, has identified that leaders are currently implementing improvement plans to tackle areas that need attention including curriculum, attendance, achievement and leadership.
The report, which was published on March 25, applauded the school’s inclusion offering which is “at the heart of the school”, and its personal development - both of which are meeting the expected standard.
The inspector said: “Leaders use effective processes to identify the needs of pupils. Staff put in place appropriate support and interventions that are specific to pupils' needs.
“The personal development and wellbeing programme ensures that pupils develop an ageappropriate understanding of the curriculum.
“There are a wide range of opportunities beyond the curriculum available to all pupils. Leaders monitor pupils who attend enrichment opportunities and put in place support for those who would benefit most. Leaders ensure that disadvantaged pupils attend well.”
The Ofsted also noted that leaders have started taking action to improve achievement but it is “too early to see the impact of the their work”.
The report said the teaching is not consistently effective across subjects and inconsistencies mean pupils do not learn and achieve as well as they should. Teachers have the subject knowledge they need, and the curriculum is well designed, but staff should routinely check student understanding so gaps can be addressed quickly.
Leaders are aware of the school’s strengths and areas that need to be improved, with the inspection saying they are “committed to working in the best interests of the pupils.”
Carol Roberts, interim headteacher, said: “Fareham Academy has always prided itself on being the school of the community, being inclusive, and providing a nurturing environment that develops the whole child, and we are pleased that the Inspectors were able to see this during their time with us.
“The timing of the inspection meant much of our other improvement work was still in its early stages and the inspectors noted that ‘it is too early too see the impact of their work’, and so we look forward to welcoming back the team in the coming months to further showcase the accelerating improvement we are making.”
The Ofsted added: “Warm relationships between staff and pupils mean that pupils feel safe in school. They are clear where to go if they need additional support. In lessons, pupils behave well. They listen to their teachers, and any low-level disruption is dealt with effectively.
“Pupils know that attendance is important. However, the school is not yet secure in ensuring that pupils, including the most disadvantaged, attend the school on a regular enough basis.”
Staff have started “effectively” improving the number of pupils who are persistently absent and the wider attendance strategy is in its early stages, with the Ofsted highlighting it should be a priority.
The safeguarding measures are effective.