Middleton Church of England Primary Academy still ‘inadequate’ – but Ofsted report highlights improvements

An “inadequate” school has made improvements since its last Ofsted report – but will still require special measures.

Middleton Church of England Primary Academy has received a monitoring inspection following its previous check-up from the education watchdog in May last year.

Although the school – part of the Diocese of Norwich Education and Academies Trust (DNEAT) - remains in an “inadequate” state, a report suggests that its leaders have made progress to improve its fortunes.

Oliver Burwood, CEO of the DNEAT, said: “Since the May 2022 inspection, the first crucial step we took was to strengthen the leadership at the school through the deployment of Mr Chris Read.

“He became interim head teacher as he has a track record of working in schools needing rapid improvement.

“This action was noted in the report and that ‘leaders are resolute in their determination to improve the school’.”

Mr Read himself said: “We are very pleased that the monitoring visit identified clear improvements within the school and acknowledged the hard work and commitment of the staff team.

“We have worked closely with our colleagues at Gayton CE Primary Academy to share good practice and establish strong systems across the federation.

“We are confident that this approach will ensure sustainable, high quality education at both schools.”

The new Ofsted report highlighted the fact that the school’s curriculum has been redesigned and the support that pupils with special needs or disabilities receive it now “much better” than in the past.

Ofsted added that children in the early years “learn well” and they have a “vibrant environment, strengthened curriculum and skilled adults” to help them learn.

Mr Read added: “We want to reassure the parents and staff that DNEAT will continue to work with determination to embed the changes made and secure further improvements for the school.”