Ian Ramsey Church of England Academy

Overview

The report describes a school with an “inclusive culture built on a Christian ethos” where pupils and staff maintain positive relationships. Leaders are noted as being “ambitious for all pupils” with high expectations, resulting in a broad curriculum where many pupils behave well and respond positively to staff.

Strengths

• “Curriculum plans are clear” and subject leaders are “clear on what they want pupils to know and remember.”
• Teachers use “effective” methods and resources, including modelling work to support independent responses.
• The emotional, social, and mental health needs of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are “particularly well met.”
• Leaders have prioritised literacy, with all teachers trained in reading strategies and a phonics programme in place for SEND pupils.
• Safeguarding arrangements are “effective,” with staff trained to identify concerns and act promptly.

Areas to improve

• Leaders should ensure they have a “full understanding of pupils’ perceptions regarding bullying and behaviour” to meet the needs of the minority whose views are not fully understood.
• Leaders need to be “more forensic” in understanding curriculum implementation to ensure all teachers consistently use effective pedagogy.
• Leaders should consider ways to improve communication with parents, as some expressed concern that lines of communication are not effective.

Safeguarding

The report states that “the arrangements for safeguarding are effective,” noting that staff are trained, procedures are followed, and leaders work with external agencies to keep pupils safe.