'Robust plans' in place at The Harbour School after being put in special measures for "failing to provide an acceptable standard of education"
A school has been put in special measures
Robust plans and protocols are being implemented at a school which requires special measures after “failing to provide an acceptable standard of education.”
The Harbour School, in Portsmouth, was inspected by Ofsted on March 18, with its published report highlighting the school needs urgent improvement in all areas apart from curriculum, which needs attention.
The Ofsted report says: “This school requires special measures because it is failing to provide an acceptable standard of education, and the persons responsible for leading, managing or governing the school are not demonstrating the capacity to secure the necessary improvement in the school.
“Over time, the trust has not secured and embedded improvements to this school. Too many pupils are not helped to overcome barriers to their attendance.
“Although there have been some recent improvements to the curriculum, most pupils have significant gaps in their knowledge and do not achieve well. Infrequent attendance means that too many pupils do not benefit from the school’s personal development and wellbeing provision.”
The report, which was published on May 11, explained that attendance is “extremely low and declining” and the inappropriate use of part-time timetables has not helped improve this.
Leadership has started to unpick these issues but “there is not currently an effective strategic approach to maximising pupils’ attendance”.
The attendance levels also means students do not access programmes of development and enrichment.
Headteacher, Sian Lacey, said: “Of course we were disappointed to receive the Ofsted report. It does, however, acknowledge that the safeguarding standards are met and that there is a strong and open safeguarding culture.
“It notes that the school is calm and pupils’ behaviour is managed well and that staff are skilled in developing ‘warm, nurturing relationships’ with pupils.
“The report also acknowledges that the school is complex, with many pupils having exceptional vulnerabilities, including those with significant social, emotional, mental health and medical needs.
“We do accept that there are areas which require improvement – which we had already recognised - and these are being addressed. New robust plans and protocols have been implemented and we are now seeing an improvement in attendance.”
Not enough students gain the skills they need to succeed in their next stage of education or employment and leaders need to ensure they understand gaps in knowledge.
Despite “significant failures” overseen by the trust, there have been “pockets of success”, with leaders establishing a football academy that benefits a small number of students.
Ms Lacey added: “There is more work to do, but we have a dedicated staff who are addressing the other areas mentioned by the inspectors and we are receiving guidance and assistance from our multi-academy trust.
“We are completely confident that the school will continue to rapidly improve and we know our excellent staff are committed to making it happen.”