David Nieper Academy

Overview

The report describes a school where pupils are “happy and proud to attend” within a “warm, welcoming and professional community.” Leaders have established high ambitions for every pupil, creating conditions for effective learning through “strong pastoral care and clear routines.” The school has moved from a previous rating of ‘Requires improvement’ to ‘Good’ across all inspection categories.

Strengths

• Pupils study an “ambitious curriculum” designed to equip them to thrive, with strong provision for careers education and “employability attributes.”
• The provision for vulnerable pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), is identified as a “strength,” supported by well-trained teaching assistants.
• Reading is a priority, with teachers using assessment effectively to identify and support pupils who need help to improve their reading.
• Staff training is valued, and leaders consider staff workload and well-being, contributing to a culture where staff work with “passion and determination.”
• Safeguarding arrangements are “effective,” characterised by a “culture of vigilance and care” and strong links with external agencies.

Areas to improve

• Leaders must ensure the delivery of the curriculum in all subjects is of “equally high quality,” as not all subject curriculums are implemented consistently well.
• Leaders should continue their plan to improve the delivery of the PSHCE curriculum, as some pupils do not yet securely learn all important knowledge in this area.

Safeguarding

The report states that “the arrangements for safeguarding are effective,” noting that staff are alert to potential concerns and report them promptly.