E-ACT Ilminster Avenue Academy

Overview

The report describes a school where pupils are “happy, safe and well cared for” and demonstrate good behaviour. However, the quality of education and leadership “requires improvement” because many positive changes are recent and “need time to embed.” Leaders have raised expectations, but the impact of their work is currently “limited” and in its “infancy.”

Strengths

• Pupils exhibit strong behaviour, living up to high expectations known as ‘Ilminster in action’ and enjoying rewards for demonstrating school values.
• There is a “particularly strong feature” in music, where all pupils learn an instrument, developing “confidence, teamwork and creativity.”
• Pupils engage respectfully in discussions about moral issues through initiatives like ‘Talk for Tuesday’, helping them prepare to be “good citizens.”
• Attendance has improved due to “sharp and effective work” by leaders, allowing pupils to benefit more from educational opportunities.
• Personal development is supported by a focus on emotions and online safety, enabling pupils to reflect on their “feelings and choices.”

Areas to improve

• Teachers lack the subject expertise to implement the curriculum effectively, hindering pupils’ ability to gain “detailed knowledge and understanding.”
• The curriculum is not adapted precisely enough for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), failing to fully meet their needs.
• Strong routines are not yet embedded in the Reception Year, meaning young children do not sufficiently engage with adults or activities.

Safeguarding

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