Co-op Academy Strinesdale

Overview

Waterhead Academy has “improved considerably” since its previous inspection, with inspectors noting that pupils’ day-to-day experiences are “much better than they were in the past.” The report highlights a “very welcoming school community” where staff care for pupils’ well-being, though it notes that the curriculum is “not delivered consistently well,” resulting in pupils not achieving as well as they should.

Strengths

• Pupils benefit from a “high-quality, broad and ambitious curriculum” that has been adjusted to allow study of subjects in “greater depth.”
• Staff provide “clear explanations” and check understanding in many lessons, helping pupils know and retain more knowledge than previously.
• Personal development is strong, with pupils being “knowledgeable about a wide range of matters” and active in community charity work.
• Safeguarding arrangements are “effective,” and there is a “significant reduction” in regular absences due to high expectations.
• Leaders are “united and effective” in their desire to ensure all pupils, including those with SEND, have access to quality education.

Areas to improve

• Teachers must use “suitable techniques” consistently to help pupils understand subject content and address gaps in knowledge.
• Staff need to use assessment strategies more effectively to check understanding before introducing new learning.
• The school must refine strategies to improve the persistent absence of disadvantaged pupils and those with SEND.

Safeguarding

The report states that “the arrangements for safeguarding are effective.”