Bothal Academy

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils thrive at this exceptional school.

There is an overriding ambition for everyone to 'be the best you can be'. This ambition shines out in all aspects of school life.

Pupils work hard and achieve well in their lessons.

They learn about the world of work and the skills that they need to be successful. Consequently, pupils value their education. Almost all take part in clubs and make positive contributions to school life.

The support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) is superb. These pupils play a full part in all aspects of school life and achieve very strong outcomes.

Staff and pupils demonstrate great... respect for each other.

Pupils learn and play together happily throughout the day. Those who are new to the school quickly settle in and make friends.

Staff set high expectations of behaviour.

The youngest children are quick to learn routines in the 'Little Learners' class. Pupils learn how to understand their feelings and those of others. Their behaviour in lessons and outside the classroom is exemplary.

Pupils feel safe at school. Incidents of bullying are rare and dealt with quickly. Pupils are very knowledgeable about risks to their safety when online.

They know when and how to seek help if they feel worried or upset.

What does the school do well and what does it need to do better?

Leadership of the school is visionary. There is an expectation that disadvantage should not be a barrier to success.

Academic and pastoral leadership is exceptionally strong. As a result, standards are very high and always improving.

The school curriculum is broad and well sequenced.

Staff receive highly effective training and support. Their subject knowledge is exceptional. Teachers know the key learning that pupils need.

They make regular checks throughout lessons to make sure that no one falls behind. Pupils show strong understanding of their learning. For example, they create high-quality artwork based on their knowledge of the work of Leonardo Da Vinci.

Pupils with SEND achieve strong outcomes. Staff work well with parents and external agencies to identify barriers. The work to address such barriers is detailed and highly effective.

In lessons, staff provide additional support and reassurance. They help pupils with SEND to understand and manage their needs. Pupils learn to select their own specialist equipment if they should need it.

They become independent learners and keep up with their peers.

There is a clear ambition that all pupils should be fluent readers by the age of seven. From the moment they arrive in school as 2-year-olds, children enjoy a wide range of texts.

They are keen to learn to read in Reception class. All staff receive training to deliver the school's phonics programme. Pupils have regular opportunities to learn and practise sounds.

Their reading books and writing activities match the sounds they learn with precision. Any pupils who are at risk of falling behind receive extra phonics sessions to help them catch up.

The school has strong Home School Links with parents.

Almost all pupils enjoy reading at home. Every class in the school has reading time at the end of the day. Staff receive excellent training to improve their skills at reading aloud.

Pupils value these reading sessions and fondly remember the stories that they have heard. Almost all pupils achieve well in phonics and are fluent readers by the time they start Year 3.

The mathematics curriculum is well sequenced.

Teachers introduce new learning clearly. Pupils gain a thorough understanding of mathematical concepts. They have regular opportunities to apply their knowledge through solving problems.

The school identified significant gaps in pupils' mathematical knowledge following the COVID-19 pandemic. These gaps have closed and pupils achieve high standards in their lessons.

The school's programme for the personal development of pupils is thorough and well planned.

Pupils value learning about relationships, staying safe and healthy and developing a positive outlook. They learn about local issues such as rail safety. Pupils are reflective and show a strong understanding of diversity.

There is a culture of inclusion and respect for different world views that permeates the school.

Children make a great start to their education in the early years. The curriculum is sequenced from the 2-year-old provision through to Reception class.

Staff develop very strong relationships with parents. This helps to identify children's needs early on. Staff are highly skilled at adapting learning to meet these needs.

As a result, all children have full access to learning. The early years environment is inspirational. Children develop their skills and vocabulary in themed areas.

Staff are adept at developing children's language and social awareness through conversation. Children are very well prepared for key stage 1.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.