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Ofsted recognises improvements at Rossett School

Monday, 4 March 2024 14:00

Ofsted have said that Rossett School in Harrogate still 'requires improvement', despite a number of positive steps.

Ofsted recognises improvements at Rossett School Rossett School in Harrogate still 'requires improvement' but has made positive steps, according to Ofsted inspectors. A letter to the school has been released today (Monday) following a monitoring inspection that took place on 23rd January. The purpose of the visit was to identify and report on Rossett's progress after the school was told it 'requires improvement' following an inspection in November 2023. And Ofsted judged that Leaders have made progress to improve the school - the best possible outcome at this stage in the process. The original report noted disruptive pupils with challenging behaviour, high absence rates and a high staff turnover as causes for concern. [caption id="attachment_102631" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Rossett School in Harrogate.[/caption] In a letter to Headteacher Mr Milburn, Ofsted has said that "more work is needed" but that positive steps have been made. Ofsted inspector Stuart Voyce said:

"I have reviewed the single central record, discussed the culture of safeguarding across the school and analysed the school’s behaviour and attendance information. "Leaders have made progress to improve the school, but more work is necessary for the school to become good."
Inspectors praised the improvements made to address pupils’ behaviour, including new lesson structures, reduced disruptions and pupil engagement. The letter said:
“Incidents of internal truancy have reduced significantly since the previous inspection. “A minority of pupils continue to demonstrate challenging behaviour. Many of these access the ‘reflection room’ or the ‘learning support centre.’ “You recognise that there is still more work to do to establish these areas of the school.”
Inspectors recognised that there has also been a “sharper focus” on combatting low attendances and that a plan has been implemented to support struggling pupils. The letter adds:
“The school has clear improvement plans to address the next steps identified at the previous inspection. “School and trust leaders have ensured that the school is improving quickly. “You are aware that there is more work to do to improve published outcomes, particularly of disadvantaged pupils, and to increase pupils’ attendance.”
In response to the letter from Ofsted, Mr Milburn said:
"Whilst we know that there is still more to do, it has been really encouraging that Ofsted have recognised the pace at which improvement is happening. "It should give us all confidence that if we can continue at this rate, with the support our Trust, we can be judged “good” at the next graded inspection."
He added:
"We will continue to have high expectations for all students, whether it be about attendance, punctuality, uniform, or behaviour. "These high expectations, which are rooted in our shared values, allow the individual and the whole community to work and learn in a safe, productive, and happy environment. "Where students challenge those expectations, we will continue to take appropriate action that minimises the effect on those who are routinely choosing to do the right thing. "This is an area where parental support is so powerful, and we will continue to work together to improve in this area.”
In September 2023, Rossett School joined Red Kite Learning Trust, a multi-academy trust of 14 schools in Harrogate and Leeds, including Harrogate Grammar School and Western Primary School. Read more local stories from Your Harrogate here.

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