Work to improve Derby school is 'transformational' according to Ofsted

A Derby school which had been in special measures for six years until their removal in 2022 has now received a glowing report from Ofsted after inspectors visited it last month. Following changes which have stopped Ofsted making single judgements since September, schools now receive grades for individual areas only.

As a result Landau Forte Academy Moorhead was told it was "good" for quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, leadership and management and early years provision and it was judged to be "outstanding" for pupils' personal development.

In the newly-published report, the inspectors said that "work to improve the school since the last inspection has been transformational and the school has gone from strength to strength". They added that the entire school community recognises the "many positive changes that have been made, and with parents and carers unanimously supportive of the school".

READ MORE:Latest Derby jobs round-up with Alstom, city council and university vacancies

READ MORE:Idyllic Peak District town named best place in UK for 48-hour getaway

The Alvaston school is praised for the broad and balanced curriculum offered to pupils and the report says that staff at Moorhead are “ambitious for every pupil that walks through the door”. The inspectors were pleased to see that the school has made reading a priority and note that the teaching of early reading is “finely tuned” and that “staff are experts”.

Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are well supported and learn alongside their peers, the Ofsted report also says. And Moorhead’s personal development offer is noted as “worthy of sharing”, with the school leadership planning a bespoke programme that provides pupils with “a vast range of rich experiences”.

The Brackens Lane school's pupils are encouraged to master a new skill or discover a talent and build their confidence by taking on leadership roles. They go on trips or are inspired by visitors to think about future careers. The Ofsted report also singles out the “family dining” at Moorhead, where older and younger pupils sit together at lunchtime to eat and chat.

Pupils are said to be respectful, get on well together and are proud to be a part of the Moorhead family. The children listen well and work hard and know the Moorhead Code, which sets out behaviour expectations.

Head teacher Ruth McNeil said: "I am very proud of this excellent Ofsted report and how it recognises the many positive and transformational changes that we have made here at Moorhead.

"We will continue to offer our pupils an ambitious curriculum and enriching activities that ensure they can thrive and we will continue to have high expectations for their success."

The school is part of the Landau Forte Charitable Trust and chief executive Sarah Findlay-Cobb said: "We are delighted to receive this excellent report from Ofsted, showcasing the many improvements we have made at Moorhead and the wealth of opportunities offered to the children.

"As a trust, we are passionate about giving all our pupils the best education we can, while preparing them for their next stage in life and this report is a ringing endorsement of that vision.

"Congratulations to Ruth and to the staff and pupils at Moorhead Academy for this highly complimentary Ofsted report and for making the school the ambitious and happy place it is."