Setting

Mr Michael Shepherd Headteacher Hawes Side Academy Pedders Lane Blackpool Lancashire FY4 3HZ

p.1

Academy, Blackpool

Following my visit to your school on 22 September 2014, I write on behalf of Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Education, Children’s Services and Skills to report the inspection findings. Thank you for the help you gave me and for the time you made available to discuss the actions you are taking to improve the school since the most recent section 5 inspection.

p.1

Academy, Blackpool

The visit was the second monitoring inspection since the school was judged to require improvement following the section 5 inspection in July 2013. It was carried out under section 8 of the Education Act 2005.

p.1

Academy, Blackpool

Senior leaders and governors are taking effective action to tackle the areas requiring improvement identified at the recent section 5 inspection. The school should take further action to:

p.1

Academy, Blackpool

 ensure that all assessments of children who are new to the school are completed in a timely manner and to the same high standard  increase supervision before school and ensure that there is a prompt and purposeful start to learning in the EYFS  check that all children are reading regularly at home.

p.1

Evidence

During the inspection, meetings were held with the headteacher and other senior leaders and members of the governing body to discuss the action taken since the fBT Inspection Services Suite 22 West Lancs Investment Centre Maple View Skelmersdale WN8 9TG T 0300 123 1231 Text Phone: 0161 6188524 enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk www.ofsted.gov.uk Direct T 01695 566863 Direct F 01695 729320 Direct email :jbennett@cfbt.com last inspection. I made a series of short visits to lessons and looked at examples of pupils’ work and assessments.

p.1

Main findings

Achievement has improved since the previous monitoring visit. Many more pupils reach a good level of development at the end of reception and pupils do much better in phonics. The proportion of pupils making and exceeding expected progress in English and mathematics at the end of Key Stage 2 compares favourably with the national averages.

p.2

Main findings

Good behaviour was seen outside at lunch-time. The three main yards and dining hall are well-supervised and organised. Older children help the younger children to organise their play and the large amount of play equipment available makes play- times fun and engaging. Almost all parents spoken to were incredibly positive about their child’s experience.

p.2

Main findings

Lunch-time supervisors spoken to by the inspector have had child protection training and know the procedures to follow if they have any concerns about children. Arrangements for over 200 extra pupils to receive a school meal have been well thought out and run smoothly. All pupils spoken to at lunch-time feel safe and happy in school, when asked what they enjoy best about their learning some say ‘handwriting’ while others enjoy ‘numeracy’.

p.2

Main findings

The new library is a stimulating and vibrant environment in which pupils learn well. Senior leaders are monitoring closely the focus upon reading at home to ensure that pupils are making the very best progress of which they are able.

p.2

Main findings

In the Early Years Foundation Stage there is some good practice but it is inconsistent. Arrangements for these pupils to eat their free breakfast are not well thought out and hamper progress. There are some very thorough assessments of pupils abilities during their first few weeks at school but this is not a consistent picture throughout the three reception classes.

p.2

Main findings

Governors are working much more efficiently. They offer regular and effective challenge and support to senior leaders.

p.2

Main findings

Ofsted may carry out further visits and, where necessary, provide further support and challenge to the school until its next section 5 inspection.

p.2

External support

Senior leaders and governors have been well supported by a National Leader of Governance and Lancashire School Improvement Service. This support has led to rising standards and a much more skilled governing body. I am copying this letter to the Chair of the Governing Body, the Director of Children’s Services for Blackpool and as below.

p.2