View the latest news across STEP Academy Trust.
Take a moment to read our staff spotlights and find out more about our upcoming events.
Cheryl Gilbert
STEP’s Response to Covid-19
From Monday 23rd March, schools across the country have been asked to perform very different functions.
STEP are pleased to rise to these new challenges and will do so with the passion and commitment that our communities can expect.
Many of our academies will be open on Monday to our most vulnerable learners and the children of key workers. All families of vulnerable learners have been contacted directly and the below offers guidance on the definition of keyworkers and the circumstances under which their children should attend school.
Using our in-house catering service, we will provide meals for children on-site and have written to the families of children who are eligible for free school meals to extend our continued support.
Please visit your academy’s website for further information around COVID-19, updates and details of home learning.
STEP Academy Trust – MAT of the Year 2019 Finalist!
We are delighted that STEP Academy Trust has been selected as one of four shortlisted finalists for the MAT of the Year Award! The winner will be announced at the Schools & Academies Show National Schools Awards in November 2019.
At STEP, we have a strong, unique sense of unity – we establish consistency in our approaches, support each other to improve and develop so that we continue to improve and meet challenges. We focus on achieving excellence in everything – the STEP Standard. All of this means we deliver the quality education our children deserve.
To be shortlisted for MAT of the Year in a small group of four in a highly competitive field is a testament to what we are all working for.
Breakwater Graded Good by Ofsted
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.”
Hawkes Farm Academy judged Good with Outstanding features
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.
Come back to teaching with STEP and Octavo
STEP and Octavo are working in partnership to support ex-teachers, who are looking to return to education. Full details are available here.
Tudor Academy judged Good by Ofsted
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.”
Applegarth Academy confirmed Good by Ofsted
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.”
STEP First Conference – #Unity
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.
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