Marden Vale praised by inspectors
Marden Vale Church of England Academy has been praised by Ofsted for the effective action leaders and managers have taken towards the removal of special measures.
In the first monitoring inspection, Inspector Julie Carrington noted that “significant changes in staffing have taken place” since the school was placed in a category of concern in June 2018.”
The Monitoring Report praised current leaders for taking rapid action to respond to the “many actions that are required and had made a good start in implementing the recommendations of the previous inspection”
The Inspector particularly praised new Headteacher Gareth Thomas for being “successful in bringing stability to the leadership of the school”. She added that he had “gained the confidence of staff and pupils quickly and had been “instrumental in enabling the school to better safeguard pupils and improve pupils’ behaviour and attitudes”
“As a result, the pace of improvement is quickening and bringing about sustained improvement. Leaders are working determinedly to raise expectations of what staff and pupils are capable of.”
The report noted that pupils now accessed a curriculum that was “much better planned and organised” and that “the quality of teaching, learning and assessment is improving steadily”.
Mr Thomas said: “We cannot thank Parents and Staff enough for their support.
“We are delighted that Ofsted recognises the work we have done so far and that we are continuing to drive improvement at a rapid pace.
“It was also really good to know that our pupils told the inspectors that behaviour at lunchtimes and around the school has improved markedly because teachers are consistent in applying the school’s behaviour systems.”
Mark Lacey, Chief Executive of the Diocese of Salisbury Academy Trust, of which Marden Vale is a part, said:
“This monitoring inspection report is good news. Ofsted clearly recognise the hard work undertaken by Gareth and his team. We have a way to go, but we are improving all the time.
“As a Trust, we were very pleased that the inspectors found that the published pupil performance at the end of key stage 1 and 2 showed some improvement in 2018, while at the end of key stage 2, pupils’ progress was much improved. Ofsted recognised the help which the Trust has given the school. We are continuing to work closely with Gareth, his staff team, and parents, to ensure that the school is rated ‘good’ at its next full inspection.”
Other key findings of the report included that:
*The Report said that the range of support that has been brokered by DSAT for the school was comprehensive and successful.
*The multi-academy trust has also provided internal support through its academy improvement director and hub improvement leader. This support is proving increasingly effective in enabling leaders to build momentum in improving the quality of teaching. “
*The trust’s statement of action is fit for purpose
*The school’s action plan is fit for purpose