Cheryl Gilbert

STEP Newsletter Edition 12, July 19

At the beginning of the Summer term, Breakwater Academy was visited by Ofsted; the school’s first inspection since joining STEP Academy Trust in September 2016. We are pleased to confirm that, following the rigorous two-day inspection, Ofsted judged Breakwater Academy to be Good. Previously, the school had only ever received Inadequate and Requires Improvement ratings.

Inspectors recognised that the school has undergone significant changes since joining STEP: “Since academisation in 2016, leaders have successfully driven improvements because they have implemented clear strategies and raised aspirations for all pupils.” The very effective leadership of Zoe Griffiths (Headteacher), supported by Tim Mills (Executive Headteacher), was rightly highlighted.

The personal development, behaviour and welfare of the children was also noted, something staff have been working on since 2016: “The academy’s work to promote pupils’ personal development and welfare is good.” and “Pupils are polite, respectful and friendly to one another and to staff.  They work hard in lessons and discuss their thinking and opinions confidently and respectfully, know their views are valued.”

At the beginning of this term, Hawkes Farm Academy was inspected by Ofsted, the school’s first inspection since joining STEP in September 2016.

We are pleased to confirm that, following the rigorous two-day inspection, Ofsted judged Hawkes Farm Academy to be Good with Outstanding features.  Inspectors recognised that the school has undergone significant changes since joining STEP: “Since joining the school, the headteacher, supported by senior leaders and the multi-academy trust, has brought about substantial and sustained improvements to all aspects of the school’s work.” Of course, particular praise should be reserved for the outstanding leadership of Mr Meek and his senior team.   It is pleasing too that Ofsted recognised the impact of governance: “The multi-academy trust is relentless in its pursuit of the highest possible standards of teaching, academic achievement and behaviour for this school.”

The personal development, behaviour and welfare of the children was also recognised, something staff have been working on since 2016: “The school’s work to promote pupils’ personal development and welfare is outstanding.” and “The behaviour of pupils is outstanding.” We are delighted too that Early Years was judged to be Outstanding.

Last term Tudor Academy was visited by Ofsted, their first inspection since Wolsey Junior and Wolsey Infant and Nursery Schools were amalgamated in September 2018.

We are pleased to confirm that, following the rigorous two-day inspection, Ofsted judged Tudor Academy to be Good in all areas.  Inspectors recognised that the school has undergone significant changes since the previous inspection: “Trustees, governors and leaders have an accurate understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the school.”

Clearly, such an outcome cannot be achieved without very effective leadership. Mrs Majumdar and her team are praised: “Trustees, governors and leaders have high expectations and aspirations for the school”. It is pleasing too that Ofsted recognised the impact of STEP Academy Trust’s values: “The trust’s values of passion, urgency, positivity, aspiration and commitment permeate throughout the school.”

As Applegarth was judged Good at its last Ofsted, it was the subject of a short, one-day inspection designed to determine whether the school continues to offer a high quality education. We are, therefore, delighted to share Ofsted’s conclusion that Applegarth has “demonstrated strong practice and marked improvement in specific areas”. This is the best possible outcome under the current framework.

The many strengths of Applegarth Academy were recognised, including “the high quality leadership” of Mr Halliwell and Mrs Daly, who are “supported by a very capable team of senior leaders and expert teaching and support staff.”  Together, they have created a culture at Applegarth Academy which “is aspirational and successfully motivates staff and pupils to strive for success.”

On Friday 15 February 2019 our second STEP First Conference was held at The Copthorne Hotel Effingham Gatwick.

Around 700 members of staff, governors and trustees from our STEP community came together with the aim of everyone having a greater understanding of our STEP Compass, especially the first point STEP First.

With videos of children, presentations, interviews with staff and an interactive Boomwhacker session, the day was a great success, with everyone recognising that whatever their role within STEP, we are one team working together for the benefit of the communities we serve.