Ofsted praises ‘rapid improvements’ at Outwood Junior Academy Brumby

Inspectors say the right priorities have been tackled to improve the academy 

Pupils and staff at Outwood Junior Academy Brumby have been praised by Ofsted following a two-day inspection in February. In its previous inspection, prior to becoming part of Outwood Grange Academies Trust, the school was graded as ‘Inadequate’ by inspectors. Reasons for the 2017 grading included weak progress in reading, writing and mathematics, low expectations of pupils and pupils’ inconsistent attitudes to learning.

The school which joined Outwood Grange Academies Trust in September 2018, is now under the leadership of Steve Tait, Principal, and has been graded as ‘Good’ in all areas, with a grading of ‘Outstanding’ for its leadership and management.

Some highlights of the most recent report include:

●        “Leaders have the highest of expectations for pupils. They have successfully and comprehensively addressed the weaknesses of the predecessor school.”

●        “Leaders have systematically tackled the right priorities to improve the academy. Their relentless yet supportive focus on raising standards has resulted in rapid improvements to the quality of education that pupils receive.”

●        “Staff show the deepest commitment and care for pupils.”

●        “Teachers provide additional support and adapt activities for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) so that they can access the curriculum alongside their peers.”

●        “Those pupils with social, emotional or mental health needs are exceptionally well supported.”

●        “Pupils are not worried about bullying as it rarely happens. When it does, staff act quickly to resolve any issues. This helps pupils to feel safe.”

●        “Leaders have recently established a ‘family hub’ to provide support for children and their families.”

●        “Pupils learn how to be responsible citizens and have healthy relationships with each other.”

●        “Warm and positive relationships between staff and pupils contribute to the happy and family feel of the academy.”

Commenting on the report, Steve Tait, Principal, said:

“We are absolutely delighted with the report. I am so pleased that the dedication and hard work of all our wonderful staff has been fully recognised as they have been on quite a journey since the last inspection and they deserve the recognition. To have been given only one area for improvement shows the magnitude of the achievement and I am extremely proud to lead this academy within our fantastic community where we have the most amazing children and families. Outwood Junior Academy Brumby is a very special place day in and day out.

“The children and parents now have a school to be proud of and rightly so. Our journey doesn’t end here, we will strive to continue to work together to improve further so that we can continue to raise standards and transform lives.”

Lee Wilson, Chief Executive Principal (Primary), added:

“We are very proud of all that has been achieved to date at Outwood Junior Academy Brumby. The improvements that have been made are a result of the whole school community working together to achieve the very best for our children - truly putting children first in all that they do.

“We are pleased that the inspection team were able to recognise the improvement journey that the school has been on since it became an academy.”