Staff at a troubled Spalding school have begun the summer break confident they are “beginning to drive change”.
Ofsted inspectors paid a monitoring visit to check progress on improvements since the Sir John Gleed School was put into special measures earlier this year.
In a letter to the school, inspectors said: “The acting headteacher has quickly taken on the leadership of the academy with support from the associate headteacher and the senior team. Together they have set out a clear vision and are beginning to drive change.
“Behaviour has improved as a result of the review of the behaviour policy, shared and clearly understood expectations and more consistent approach to the use of sanctions and rewards.
“A new parents’ forum is providing regular opportunities to discuss the impact of the school’s actions and explore ways that parents can support the school.”
Inspectors believe that both the school’s improvement plan and CfBT Schools Trust – the academy chain responsible for the school – statement of action will address improvements needed.
Acting headteacher Will Scott said: “We are very encouraged by the feedback from Ofsted following this monitoring visit and will be working hard with the whole school community to continue to drive improvements in the next academic year.”
Anna Crispin, schools director for CfBT Schools Trust, said: “The acting headteacher, chairman of governors and senior leaders at Sir John Gleed School have pulled together with parents and the school community to make some rapid improvements.
“We cannot, however, be complacent and our focus continues to be on supporting the school to make sustainable, long-term improvement.”
Parent Naomi Evans says she has already noticed signs of change.
She said: “A lot of the children respect Mr Scott and are working with him on these changes”
Rebecca Thirkell, the parent who called in Ofsted, said: “I believe Mr Scott has the passion, drive and determination to turn things around.
“I think we are more likely to see changes starting in September with the new Year 7 intake. We have to be positive and give the school a chance as well as giving them all our support.”