Mo Mowlam Academy

Overview

Mo Mowlam Academy is described as an inclusive school where pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs are well supported and enjoy learning. The report highlights a "calm and orderly learning environment" with strong pastoral care, though it notes that persistent absence remains a significant challenge requiring further action.

Strengths

• Leaders "quickly and accurately assess and identify the needs of individual pupils" and provide creative, bespoke support packages.
• Pupils achieve well from their starting points, gaining appropriate knowledge and skills reflected in the "quality of their work".
• Staff are "highly trained to make suitable adjustments" to keep pupils engaged, using strategies like task lists and movement breaks.
• There is a "positive and inclusive staff culture" where leaders value staff wellbeing and provide evidence-informed professional learning.
• Pupils benefit from a "diverse enrichment programme" and are well prepared for their next steps through a thoughtful careers programme.

Areas to improve

• Leaders should ensure the curriculum is "suitably aspirational for all pupils" to support higher-level achievement, particularly for a small minority of older pupils.
• Leaders must refine approaches to bespoke support to "further reduce persistent absence" and ensure all pupils attend school regularly.

Safeguarding

The safeguarding standards are met, with leaders establishing an "open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility" and concerns actively managed.