‘Decisive’ action promised at Gedney Church End Primary School after damning Ofsted inspection
Leaders of an ‘inadequate’ primary school say an improvement plan is being implemented following a damning inspection.
Ofsted inspectors highlighted a series of weaknesses at Gedney Church End Primary School which included disruptive behaviour, children not feeling safe and poor attendance from disadvantaged youngsters.
The school received ‘inadequate’ ratings in three areas of quality of education, behaviour and attitudes and leadership and management. However, it did receive a ‘requires improvement’ rating for personal development.
Gedney Church End is part of the Keystone Academy Trust says that ‘swift and decisive action’ has been taken to bring about the changes.
The report states: “Many pupils say that they do not feel safe due to the poor behaviour of others. Some pupils fear that other pupils may hurt them. Physical and verbal incidents against pupils and staff are frequent.”
The leadership of the school, including those at the trust, have come under fire in the report as they ‘have not resolving the weaknesses’ with the report highlighting issues in not checking the effectiveness in teaching and learning.
It adds: “In some lessons, some teachers check what pupils know and understand. This is not consistent in all lessons. Pupils can discuss what they are learning during the lesson. However many cannot remember any of their previous learning.’
Inspectors also reported poor behaviour in lessons.
It adds: “Some pupils regularly disrupt the learning of others. In lessons, some pupils do not listen to each other or to staff. They persist in talking when staff are talking. Pupils do not feel respected by others. Some do not demonstrate respect.”
Inspectors also highlighted issues with the education provision for children with special educational needs or disability (SEND).
It states: “Many disadvantaged pupils and pupils with SEND have poor attendance. Leaders are not doing enough to ensure that these pupils attend regularly. These pupils do not achieve as well as they could because they do not attend school often enough. Some pupils who struggle to manage their own behaviour do not receive effective support. Some pupils are repeatedly suspended from school. Others have their timetables reduced significantly over long periods of time. These actions do not support pupils to achieve well, behave well or to improve their attendance.”
The report also adds that actions from leaders have been ‘too slow’ to address the ‘significant weaknesses’ and that staff have felt the pressure with an increased workload and ‘negative impact on their wellbeing’.
A joint statement by trust chairman Joe Pignatiello and Helen Joyce, acting chief executive said: “The board of Keystone Academy Trust accept in full the findings of the Ofsted Inspection team and has taken swift and decisive action to bring about the improvements that the school community deserves.
“Additional targeted leadership support is being provided to Gedney Church End Primary School by the trust’s acting deputy chief executive and the wider School Improvement Team and work is well underway to bring about change.
“Staff are receiving ongoing comprehensive training and a full strategic improvement plan, to address the weaknesses in the school, is being implemented. Whilst significant improvements are required, the Inspectors found safeguarding to be effective, with the report noting that ‘Leaders act quickly to ensure that pupils and their families receive the support they need’.
“ Ofsted also acknowledged the recent improvements to the teaching of Phonics implemented by the trust. Keystone Academy Trust believes in ‘Forging Stronger Futures for All’ and Trustees and Staff are committed to ensuring that all children receive the best educational experiences and outcomes.”
