Harlow Academy, Mansfield, has been praised for driving significant improvements in its latest inspection.

Inspectors judged that leaders and those responsible for governance are taking effective action to ensure the removal of the school from Special Measures.

They praised leaders for the academy’s effective safeguarding policies, which are now considered one of its strengths and have helped create a safe and caring environment for pupils and staff.

Overall, Ofsted rated the academy as ‘Inadequate’. However, it is in a strong position to build on its improvement strategy and positive trajectory. Since the appointment of new leadership at both the academy and The Evolve Trust earlier this year, staff have been working closely alongside the school community to drive forward rapid improvements.

As noted by inspectors, additional highlights from the report include that:

• Leaders and those responsible for governance provided a clear account of the work undertaken since the last inspection, and have selected the right priorities to successfully address safeguarding and staffing levels
• Quick and effective action has been taken ‘to provide a safe and stable environment for pupils’
• ‘Staff express confidence in leaders’ ability to act quickly in response to any concerns’ and ‘spoke positively about the significant changes in the safeguarding culture that have taken place over a short period of time’, feeling ‘safe to work at the school’ and appreciating leaders’ regard for their wellbeing
• ‘Pupils also say that they feel safe and enjoy school’ and that ‘pupils were observed engaging happily and productively with a wide range of learning and social activities’
• ‘Parents are overwhelmingly positive about the changes that have been made’ with feedback including that their children are now happy in school and that the ‘Academy is going above and beyond for our children’.

The academy’s focus will now be ensuring the continuation of these improvements to help ensure its young people receive the best possible care and staff feel properly supported. These initiatives, which will continue in the new academic year include:

• Further developing the new curriculum – building on the work already undertaken to adopt a new curriculum that aligns with our pupils’ needs, the Academy will be continuing to implement this across all year levels with the support of newly appointed subject leaders.
• Embedding a new phonics scheme – continuing to ensure reading is a priority for pupils, the Academy has recently introduced and trained all staff in a new phonics programme. It will be strengthening this provision further through the consistent use of the new decodable books.
• Continuing to further build the partnership and close working relationship with families – the Academy greatly values the families and young people it supports and is invested in developing positive relationships with the entire school community. Discussions have already helped repair and rebuild these connections, but the Academy will continue to prioritise this by using the Genuine Partnership Framework.

Luci Windle, executive headteacher, said: “I am incredibly proud of the efforts of our entire school community over recent months and are delighted that this has been recognised by Ofsted.

“While there is always more work to be done, this positive feedback is encouraging and a testament to the hard work of our staff, parents and carers and wider school community and I look forward to continuing to work closely with them to ensure the best possible support is provided.”

Warren Carratt, chief executive of Nexus Multi Academy Trust, said: “First and foremost, I would like to congratulate our wonderful school community on this fantastic achievement. This feedback from Ofsted is very much welcomed and is such well-deserved recognition of the collaborative work that has been undertaken over recent months.

“While significant progress has been made, this is just the beginning and I look forward to formally welcoming Harlow Academy to Nexus Multi Academy Trust in the new academic year. We are excited to keep working closely alongside our colleagues and parents and carers as we continue to build an inspiring and supportive school community.”

Wayne Norrie, interim chief executive of The Evolve Trust, said: “The outcome of this Ofsted report is not to be underestimated. When myself, Luci and Warren were appointed earlier this year, there was an incredible amount of work that needed to be urgently undertaken to ensure the Academy was a safe place for staff and the young people and families it serves.

“Under the strong leadership of Luci and Warren, the entire Academy has worked immensely hard to achieve this outcome, and I am incredibly proud of their efforts. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank our colleagues and parents and carers for their support and for placing their trust in us to drive forward these ongoing improvements.”