The new headteacher of a West Cumbrian primary school branded inadequate has vowed to revive its fortunes.
Ofsted inspectors visited Seaton Academy in September – more than 12 years since its last full inspection and only two weeks after new head Robert Barton had joined the school.
The report, compiled after inspectors visited the academy on September 14 and 15, said it was inadequate, but acknowledged that the inspection was a snapshot and did not reflect any changes which may have taken place since Mr Barton’s arrival.
It called leadership and management inadequate; and said education quality and early years provision required improvement.
They said: “Trustees do not have a clear understanding of their responsibilities and, as a result, they do not carry out their roles effectively.”
Inspectors added that trustees had not held leaders to account for the quality of education or provided an effective challenge, leading to a decline in pupils’ achievement.
But the Ofsted report said Mr Barton was beginning to take appropriate action to improve the curriculum and halt the decline.
Mr Barton, who joined Seaton Academy on September 1, said the report was disappointing, but a new leadership team and new trustees had identfied areas for improvement.
He said: “We accept the report for what it is. However, in the seven weeks since the inspection, the school has moved at a tremendous pace to address the issues identified in the report.
“An inspector visiting the school today would have a very different impression and I have no doubt that we would receive an overwhelmingly positive report.
“September’s Ofsted report in no way reflects where we are now, or the considerable progress that we have made.
“Regrettably, there was not sufficient time to allow these changes to ‘bed in’ and to see this work bear fruit.
“However, the decisive action taken has prevented the academy being put in special measures and I am pleased that Ofsted has recognised that we are now heading in the right direction.”
He said among changes introduced were the creation of a new leadership team; the appointment of a new chair of governors; the introduction of a new phonics programme, a new curriculum; and many more school activities.
The report said that behaviour and attitudes at the school were good, as was personal development.
It added: “Pupils enjoy coming to Seaton Academy. Staff know pupils well and have forged positive relationships with them. Pupils feel cared for and well supported. They have adults in school that they can talk to about any worries that they may have. They trust adults to deal with their concerns, including any incidents of bullying, swiftly and effectively.”
The school will hold meetings this week to give parents the opportunity to discuss the report, and the improvements made, it said.
Paul Smith, chair of trustees, added: “I appreciate that this report will be a cause for concern, though it also highlights many positive aspects of school life.
“The new head had already discussed and identified many of the issues picked up in the report – and was working to address them just days into his tenure.”
Workington MP Mark Jenkinson, who has been working with the school and making representations on its behalf, said: “I have every confidence that Seaton Academy has now turned a corner.
“The new leadership team has been working exceptionally hard to bring about the necessary changes to address these inherited issues.
“Expectations around standards in education change over time – and it is perhaps unsurprising that some of these issues have slipped under the radar after a 12-year inspection hiatus.
“This underscores the importance of regular inspections. Schools must receive constructive feedback to ensure that our young people receive the best possible start in life.
“All four of my children have attended this school. The school has been ranked outstanding in the past. I know that we can get there again.
“So much has already been achieved since the inspection was carried out two months ago, and the next Ofsted report will be very different from this one.”
Seaton Academy was exempt from routine inspections until a change in the law in November 2020.
