Leaders of JFS are taking “effective action” to lifting the school out of special measures, Ofsted has said, in a follow-up inspection to a damning report six months ago which branded the school inadequate.
Improvements in safeguarding, behaviour and personal, social and health education were under way, inspectors said after a two-day visit in November.
Its action plan to address the previously identified concerns was “fit for purpose,” Ofsted said.
Interim heads Anna Joseph and Paul Ramsey, who took the reins in October, had created “a greater sense of stability” after “a period of substantial change and some turbulence in leadership”.
The recent inspection took place before newly appointed headteacher David Moody took up his post shortly before the end of term.
Steps had been taken to improve safeguarding policy and practice with an increase in designated safeguarding leaders and more “suitably qualified” staff to respond to concerns.
Leaders had been proactive in consulting with pupils about the “prevalence of sexually related behaviour in the school” and were taking on board responses from 500 pupils to a survey about harmful sexual behaviour and other safeguarding issues.
A number of intiatives were being put in place for pupils to report any concerns.
There were “credible plans” to extend support for mental health and wellbeing. Over 70 sixthform volunteers had signed up for mental health first-aid training, while year-10s were acting as “peer buddies” to year-7s.
Pupils now had “more places and people to turn to if they are worried about something”.
Sixthformers felt staff were much better at asking about their wellbeing, although some pupils were “less confident” about reporting concerns.
Since the last inspection, pupils said that behaviour had improved, especially in lessons, “because they feel teachers follow the school’s policy more rigorously”.
Changes in routine meant children were quicker to settle in class, although some “low-level disruption” continued and behaviour in the busy corridors could sometimes be “over-exuberant”.
While the absence of a well-planned PHSE programme had previously left gaps in knowledge, leaders were working to ensure that pupils knew about LGBT relationships.
Ofsted noted that pupils would like “opportunities for discussion and to work with a consistent group to build up trust and discuss more sensitive topics”.
JFS chairman Andrew Moss said, "The positive nature of the report is a testament to all of the hard work that our staff and students have put in and I would just like to thank the whole community for pulling together and getting on board with everything that has been required."
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