A Birmingham school has been praised by Ofsted inspectors as “awe inspiring” in its most recent school inspection report.
E-ACT Nechells Academy, which is part of the E-ACT multi academy trust, received a glowing report from inspectors, who praised the school’s “inclusive approach” and said that leaders had “transformed” attendance through personalised relationships with parents and families. Safeguarding at the school was highlighted as a strength, with the report noting that pupils are “made safer and feel safe.”
Attendance has risen since the school’s last inspection, with Ofsted saying that: “the school has reduced persistent absence impressively, raising overall attendance above national levels for all pupils and especially vulnerable pupils. This success reflects both leaders' and staff's ambition and relentless drive.”
Inspectors particularly honed in on the school’s open and inclusive nature, saying that “pupils feel valued, welcome and eager to attend", whilst their behaviour is “calm, respectful and impressively consistent…Pupils consistently demonstrate positive attitudes to learning." This ethos was clear in how staff behaved, saying that “the respect pupils have for staff and each other is awe inspiring and contributes to the school’s warm, inclusive ethos."
Inspectors also praised the overall school experience, saying that Nechells Academy offers “a rich and ambitious personal development programme that nurtures pupils’ character, confidence and wellbeing impressively”. Meanwhile, Ofsted noted that pupils talk “enthusiastically about the clubs, trips and visits that enrich their school experience.
Leaders ensure full accessibility for all pupils, removing any barriers that might prevent any pupil from taking part. These opportunities help pupils to broaden their horizons and strengthen their enjoyment of school, contributing further to their sense of belonging."
Inspectors also said that “when pupils arrive at E-ACT Nechells Academy, they experience a school day characterised by safety, respect and a strong sense of belonging.” Ofsted also said that “The school is working with steely determination" in areas where they are focused on improvement.
Headteacher Kathy Mellor said: "We are delighted with this report, which reflects the hard work of our dedicated staff, pupils, and families in creating a nurturing and ambitious environment.
“Our strengths in attendance, behaviour, and personal development show the positive impact we're making every day. We are already putting into place the next steps to further strengthen achievement and teaching, ensuring every child reaches their full potential."
This is Nechells Academy’s first inspection under the new Ofsted rating system, which no longer gives schools a one word summary result such as ‘good’. Instead, the new system judges schools on a wider range of markers, including safeguarding, attendance and behaviour.
