‘Robust’ safeguarding measures and ‘knowledgeable and well-trained staff’ are helping students form ‘positive relationships’ at rapidly-improving Monkton Wood Academy, according to Ofsted.
Inspectors from the education watchdog visited the Taunton academy in May to scrutinise students’ behaviour and assess the school’s safeguarding practices.
Though the school is not due to have its next full inspection for at least another year, he Ofsted team ruled that Monkton Wood has shown a big improvement in these areas since its previous inspection, noting that suspensions and exclusions for poor behaviour have reduced and student attendance has increased.
In his judgement letter, Lead inspector Matthew Haynes said: “Leaders and those responsible for governance have taken effective action to improve behaviour and secure consistently positive attitudes to learning. Arrangements for safeguarding are effective.”
On behaviour and attitudes within the school, he wrote: “Since the school opened as an academy in December 2023, leaders have rightly prioritised improving pupils’ behaviour. Staff and pupils are clear about expectations in lessons and at other times of the school day. Lessons are typically calm and there is little low-level disruption. Students in the sixth form act maturely and work together in productive, constructive ways
“The majority of pupils form positive relationships with each other. They socialise well together and develop strong friendships. Bullying is not tolerated and is dealt with when it occurs.
“Pupils and staff rightly recognise the improvements in behaviour at the school. The school’s use of suspensions and exclusions to tackle poor behaviour has reduced. Rewards for good behaviour and effort are increasingly valued by pupils. Pupils’ rates of attendance are rising overall because of the school’s effective actions.”
On safeguarding, he wrote: “Safeguarding processes are robust and well managed. The records that the school keeps are comprehensive. Knowledgeable and well-trained staff refer concerns appropriately and leaders follow these up rigorously. Pupils receive the care and support that they need.
“Leaders prioritise safeguarding and have established an open and vigilant culture. Staff have a strong understanding of the signs of potential risks, including those more specifically relevant to the school.”
Inspectors also acknowledged the additional support Monkton Wood’s leaders have received from the school’s parent trust the Cabot Learning Federation (CLF) to drive up standards.
Mr Haynes continued: “The trust has helped to establish ambitious expectations for pupils’ behaviour and attendance, including developing the policies and processes to underpin these. Trust officers contribute important support for leadership in the school, provide training for staff and regularly monitor the school’s progress. This includes support in vital areas such as safeguarding.
“The trust has helped the school to stabilise staffing, recruiting new staff and leaders. The school benefits from accessing expertise in other schools in the trust.
“Trustees and members of the local academy council keep close oversight over both behaviour and safeguarding in the school. They have an accurate understanding of the school’s priorities and progress. They are realistic about what the school has achieved so far and what needs to improve further. This means the trust provides the right support and challenge for the school’s leaders.”
Ofsted’s judgement has been welcomed by leaders at Monkton Wood and the CLF, who say they will continue to work hard to ensure further school improvements follow.
Hannah Jones, Principal at Monkton Wood Academy, said:
“We are pleased that the inspection team has recognised the impact of the Monkton Wood team’s work on behaviour and attitudes at the school. I am incredibly proud of our students and of the staff who support them so well.”
Steve Taylor, Chief Executive Officer of the Cabot Learning Federation, said:
“It’s great for the whole school community to be able to read that our school is making such strong progress since becoming part of the trust last year – I’m delighted for the team that they have received this recognition for all their hard work. Well done to all staff and students.“
