A BARNSLEY school has been told for a third consecutive time that it ‘requires improvement’ by Ofsted inspectors.
St Helen’s Primary at Monk Bretton has only been inspected three times since it became an academy – in 2013, 2015, and last month.
All three reports have rated the school as ‘requires improvement’ overall.
The latest report says: “School leaders and the trust have not dealt successfully with the areas for improvement identified at the previous inspection. Once again, the school’s overall effectiveness requires improvement.
“Pupils are not making good progress in key stages 1 and 2, especially in reading and also in writing, mathematics and a range of subjects.
“Teachers are not using assessment information to plan work that matches the needs of pupils. Work set lacks challenge, particularly for the most able and middle-ability pupils.
“Additional government funding for disadvantaged pupils and those who have special educational needs and/or disabilities has not been used well. These pupils are not catching up with others quickly.
“Parents have mixed views about the school. Fewer than half would recommend the school.
“The school’s website does not contain a range of information that must be published. Information about governance is incorrect.
“Over time, governors have not received sufficient information to hold leaders to account for their work.”
However the report added that new leaders have the capacity to improve the school, and that signs of improvement are already showing.
“Children make good progress in early years because of good teaching and leadership. The outdoor learning environment is impressive.
“Pupils say that they are safe in school. The school is an orderly place to be.
“Leaders use the physical education and sport funding well. Pupils enjoy physical education and are active at break times and lunchtimes.”
The school is sponsored by the Academies Enterprise Trust and has 301 pupils on roll.
A spokesman for St Helen’s Primary said: “Whilst we are disappointed by Ofsted’s judgement, the new head teacher – supported by new leadership at AET – has a clear plan of action in place to ensure the academy improves at pace.
“Since September, we have a new leadership team in place, who have led or worked in outstanding schools.
“The new year also saw five new teachers across all year groups and we have reformed our governing body to ensure we have a strong blend of professional and education skills.
“We have introduced a new curriculum based on engaging, exciting and interactive resources, and we draw on the expertise of our sister academies in AET to ensure we are stretching both our pupils and ourselves.
“Finally, the school itself has been refurbished, with two new libraries, providing a fresh start for everyone. Collectively, we believe these changes will help ensure that our next Ofsted inspection sees us recognised as a good school.”
