Ofsted Inspectors Praise ambitious leaders and teachers who maximise their pupils potential
Congratulations to Highfield Academy in Sunderland, who received a glowing Ofsted report.
Broadening Horizons
Pupils in Highfield Academy do well across the whole school, “Children in the early years get off to a strong start,” preparing them for a carefully planned, ambitious curriculum which meets the needs of every child.
Ofsted Inspectors highlighted the warm welcome and family feel of Highfield Academy when they judged the school to be good in the recent inspection. Hard-working staff are “tenacious” in safeguarding pupils, whilst providing “high-quality pastoral care.”
Reacting to the positive report, parents and carers have expressed their gratitude. “When my family were in crisis, the staff stepped in and supported us, available for advice and there to listen. Both girls are now thriving in the school.”
Another commented, “the school has improved so much and the Head always listens and solves problems.”
Lead Inspector Graham Findlay wrote, “staff have strengthened links with families in the community.”
A key area identified by inspectors was the effective teaching of reading, “pupils have made accelerated progress and now read confidently.” Nicky Anderson, the English Lead, explained the recent improvements were due to an innovative approach to reading in the wider curriculum we successfully implemented across the IRIS Learning Trust. The report commends effectively trained staff who make careful adaptations to lesson resources to ensure, “pupils with SEND access the full curriculum.”
Leaders place a high priority on pupils’ wider development to “broaden their horizons.” Pupils “willingly” take on extra responsibilities, proud to represent their class on the school council or as reading rangers. They benefit from a range of clubs such as the Useful and Kind Club who have donated clothes to Ukrainian Refugees and baked to raise funds for charity. The report says “This work helps pupils to become active citizens in their community and beyond.”
Head Teacher Melanie Davies is delighted with the report which reflects the commitment of our whole staff team, our partnership with families and the aspiration for our children who are at the heart of all Highfield does.
Chris Zarraga, Director of Schools North East commented:
“Congratulations to Highfield for their wonderful Ofsted report. We were very proud to read the efforts the school staff go to help their students become confident active learners. Ideas such as the ‘Useful and Kind Club’ demonstrate the ways in which North East schools create an impact upon their communities.”
Highfield Academy is a Schools North East Partner School. If you’d like to find out more about our Partner School Programme click here: https://schoolsnortheast.org/partner-school/
We love to hear good news from North East Schools, to share your news with Schools North East please tag @SchoolsNE on Twitter or apply here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeGgTpbLixAqIprwSS2JXd_AFcKYD5Ahtug_ol7BdHDfgHRsw/viewform
