Sky Academy, in Taunton, improving, say Ofsted inspectors

And things look set to progress further as it prepares to join a new school trust.

Sky, a special school for 100 Year 5 to 11 pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs, had been rated ‘inadequate’ last year.

But following a recent monitoring visit from the schools watchdog, inspectors praised the steps taken by new leadership team to address past weaknesses and drive improvement.

The latest report said: “The leadership team was in its infancy at the time of the previous inspection.

“The previous inspection report acknowledged that new leaders had started to tackle the significant weaknesses at the school. This work has continued.

“Substantive leaders now have a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities.

“They have acted quickly to impact areas they deemed a priority. This includes behaviour, attendance and special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) awareness amongst staff to support pupils’ learning.”

There have been “significant improvements” carried out to the use of school buildings, impacting positively on safeguarding and raising expectations of student behaviour.

They also noted leaders’ steps to enhance the curriculum, including measures to tailor academic and pastoral support to pupils on a bespoke basis.

Initiatives designed to prioritise reading – and improve students’ attitudes and engagement – were praised.

Issues around poor student behaviour and attitudes are also being addressed effectively, according to Ofsted.

Inspectors said: “As a leadership team, you were very aware of the need to tackle the poor behaviour and attitudes to learning highlighted in the previous inspection. Your response to this has had some considerable impact.

“Teachers have the support and training they need to maintain high expectations of pupils. The school restructure has played a crucial role in this.

“Pupils now learn in nurture groups where the relationships with, and consistency of, adults are prioritised. Pupils describe the changes positively. They feel that staff work with them and give them time to talk. Pupils agree they feel listened to and that many of the staff understand their needs.

“The impact of this work can already be seen on pupils’ attendance and fewer behaviour incidents.”

Most parents feel positively about Sky and its “rapid journey of improvement”.

In August, Sky and sister schools Lansdown Park Academy, Bristol, and Brook Academy, Gloucestershire, will join the Cabot Learning Federation, following the dissolution of the Learn@ MAT which the three schools are currently part of.

Sky headteacher Bex Jones said: “We are pleased that Ofsted has recognised the significant progress made at Sky over the past year, which is testament to the dedication and expertise of our team.

“Work to enhance our curriculum and environment has had a big impact, and our students have responded well; the improvements to attitudes and behaviour are key to helping them achieve well.

“We recognise there is work still to do, but believe joining the Cabot Learning Federation will open the door to new resources and collaborations which can help us fulfil our ambitions to deliver an excellent education which prepares our young people for adulthood.”