School changes are noted by inspectors after a return visit
OFSTED HAS NOTED THE IMPROVEMENTS MADE IN AN ‘OVERWHELMINGLY POSITIVE’ REPORT ON SCHOOL’S ONGOING PROGRESS
IMPROVEMENTS at a Derby secondary school have been noted by Ofsted inspectors who paid a return visit.
Two years after a previous visit in 2022., the inspectors said that leaders at City of Derby Academy (CODA) “have secured many improvements since the school’s last inspection.”
This included strengthening the curriculum, behaviour and personal development are now good and the multi-academy trust QEGSMAT, which the school is part of, and governors “remain committed to improving the life chances of all pupils”.
But the inspectors, when they visited in March, decided the quality of education still “requires improvement” and gave an overall judgement of “requires improvement” again on the 986-pupil school, which is based in Sinfin.
In a letter to parents, head teacher Adrian Harding said that the report was “overwhelmingly positive and recognises the strengths of the school and the continued progress being made.”
Other highlights from the report included:
CODA is a school that welcomes and celebrates the diversity of the local community.
There is a caring ethos. Pupils feel safe. The vast majority are happy. The school has high expectations of all pupils.
Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and those who speak English as an additional language are well supported to learn the curriculum.
Pupils are polite and respectful to each other adults.
There are strong relationships between staff and pupils.
Pupils receive high-quality pastoral support.
Pupils know that staff are always available to talk to them if they have concerns.
Mr Harding said: “The inspection report aligns with the academy’s own self-evaluation, and the inspection team recognised that leaders already have the right plans in place to secure the improvements required to achieve ‘good’ overall at the next inspection.”
In order to improve further, the school has been advised by Ofsted to ensure teachers check on what pupils know before moving on, improve the teaching of phonics and reading should be prioritised across all year groups.
Anne Martin is chief executive of QEGSMAT and she praised the school for the progress made since the last inspection, two years ago.
She said that she is “particularly proud of the students, who work hard, are loyal to their school community, are always curious, respectful, positive, and grateful”.
Ms Martin added: “There is always more work to be done in every school, and the plans already in progress will continue to accelerate and improve outcomes for young people.
“I wish to personally thank our students and staff for their loyalty and hard work, and parents/carers for their support, all of which enable CODA to achieve our vision of improving life chances.”