Glowing Ofsted report finds pupils to be delightfully curious and friendly

Northern Education Trust Frederick Nattrass Academy is a happy, inclusive school, the Ofsted inspector found during the monitoring inspection on 11 and 12 February 2020 (monitoring inspections do not change the Ofsted rating).  The Inspector was

glowing in her praise for the Academy, finding pupils to have great pride in their achievements and their contributions to the culture and welfare of the school atmosphere and environment.

Parents’ comments supported the Inspectors’ findings, saying that the Principal “Had transformed the school.  Parents feel welcome and the atmosphere is positive and pupils’ behaviour has improved.”

The Inspectors found that “Pupils get big smiles from kind, friendly staff all day long.  Pupils know staff listen to them and value their opinions, and staff treat them politely and with respect, thanking them for their efforts and good manners.  Pupils are delightfully curious and friendly, and develop a good understanding of how their actions might affect others.  They know why it is important to look after each other, and our planet.”

Leaders and staff were also praised, with the Inspector saying: “Adults use rules in a consistent manner.  Pupils know it is important to treat others with respect, and they say behaviour is much better.  Attitudes in lessons are positive and pupils are well looked after.  Good manners abound.

“Leaders want pupils to succeed.  Leaders and their partner

s across the Trust make sure pupils achieve well.  Early reading is prioritised and pupils make particularly strong progress in English and maths, with pupils making better progress in reading, writing and maths by the end of key stage 2 than others nationally.  Other subjects are developing at pace, with Leaders improving the curriculum further, and there are lots of exciting things to do every day.  Parents praise the wide range of subjects on offer and the positive emphasis on the arts.”

Safeguarding arrangements were found to be effective, with vulnerable pupils’ needs being met sensitively and with expertise.  Staff manage any occasions of bullying skilfully, and parents commented on the patience and dedication of staff for pupils with SEND.

Emma Roffe, Principal, said: “We are absolutely delighted to receive this excellent recognition from Ofsted.  The report reflects our amazing children, our aspirational staff and how supportive our parents are.  As one strong team, they are all instrumental in making Frederick Nattrass a very successful academy”