Vermont School

Overview

The report states that the school is "failing to give its pupils an acceptable standard of education" and requires "special measures" because leaders are not demonstrating the capacity to secure necessary improvement. While pupils benefit from the "kindness and care" of staff and build positive relationships, the "quality of education" is inadequate, leaving pupils unprepared for their next steps.

Strengths

• Staff show "kindness and care," helping pupils build "positive relationships" with "trusted adults."
• Pupils "understand the importance of showing respect" and generally behave well in lessons.
• Pupils enjoy lunchtime clubs, such as the "incredibly popular" card trading club, and benefit from local amenities like swimming sessions.
• The school has reduced suspensions and violent incidents, with a "culture of help and support" for emotional needs.
• Safeguarding arrangements are "effective."

Areas to improve

• The governing body must provide "effective oversight, support or challenge" and fulfil its "statutory obligations" to ensure pupils receive a quality education.
• The school must design an "ambitious and clearly sequenced curriculum" and implement a "systematic approach" to teaching reading, as current methods lack structure and resources.
• The school should establish "effective assessment systems" to address gaps in knowledge and ensure behaviour management systems are "followed consistently well" by all staff.

Safeguarding

The report states that "the arrangements for safeguarding are effective."