Harlow school praised for 'significant improvements' after Ofsted inspection

Ofsted inspectors have praised a Harlow school for its transformation – highlighting the “significant improvements” made since it joined a new academy trust. Beckmead Moundwood Academy – a pupil referral unit for children and young people aged four to 16 who have been excluded from mainstream schools – is now Good in all areas.

However, inspectors have picked up on a few deficiencies - saying that in some areas of the curriculum, “pupils’ academic starting points are not always precisely identified”, leading to gaps in knowledge. It adds that work is not always well matched to pupils’ ability in some parts of the school and that attendance for some pupils was low but improving.

Just five years ago, Ofsted placed the school, then known as TBAP Aspire Academy, in Special Measures. That report highlighted failings across the board, including in safeguarding, behaviour, and attendance. But a year later, the school was transferred to the Beckmead Trust.

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Ofsted says that pupils benefit from the “thoughtful, individualised care” provided by “well-trained staff”, which means that they re-engage with their education. It adds: “All pupils move successfully on to their agreed destinations or reintegrate back into mainstream school.”

Adrian Applewhite, headteacher at Beckmead Moundwood Academy, said: “We are delighted with this fantastic report. It reflects the hard work and commitment of everyone at our school to deliver the best outcomes for the children and young people at Beckmead Moundwood Academy. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to our brilliant staff and to our supportive parents and carers. I am also very grateful for the backing and guidance we receive from our governors and from The Beckmead Trust. The school’s success is the result of a huge team effort, with everyone playing their part. My colleagues and I remain committed to ensuring our students have educational experiences, and we will continue to build on this progress as we move forward on our upward trajectory."

The report has highlighted areas in order for the school to improve further. It said: “The school must ensure all staff know what the exact gaps in pupils’ academic knowledge are across the curriculum so pupils can access as quickly as possible the most appropriate qualification pathway In some parts of the school, work is not always well matched to pupils’ ability. This is because the checks adults make on what pupils can do are not used well enough to inform the next steps in learning. Pupils are sometimes given work they can already do

“The school needs to ensure staff have the necessary training to use assessment effectively to adapt learning and raise expectations so that pupils achieve as highly as they can in their time at this setting. There are a few pupils whose attendance is improving but still low. This affects how well they are achieving. The school needs to continue work started to ensure these pupils access all the school has to offer them.”