Bromley Trust Alternative Provision Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 7 February 2023

Pupils get a fresh start here, particularly after previous difficulties in mainstream education. Leaders work effectively to improve pupils' attendance. Staff build positive professional relationships with pupils. Pupils said that staff were kind and they trusted them to deal with any concerns. There is little or no bullying. If it happens, teachers deal with it quickly. Leaders do not tolerate any derogatory language. As a result, pupils are kept safe and get on well with each other. They enjoy collecting rewards. Staff have high expectations of pupils' work and behaviour. Pupils behave well and remain focused in lessons. Pupils' attendance and achievement are celebrated, including through reward trips. Leaders provide breakfast for pupils each morning. Many pupils spend breaktime and lunchtime in conversation with staff. Pupils are well prepared for their next steps. Teachers support pupils to develop essential literacy and numeracy skills. Secondary-age pupils are taught important life skills such as cooking and financial management. They gain academic qualifications. Pupils enjoyed spending time with Tilly and Sadie, the school's therapy dogs.

What the school should improve

• Sometimes, teachers in the secondary phase do not select activities that build up pupils' knowledge and skills securely. This limits the development of pupils' subject-specific knowledge and understanding. Leaders should ensure that all teachers are skilled to select activities that build and consolidate a deep body of pupils' knowledge and skills.
• Leaders do not ensure that pupils' wider reading opportunities in the secondary phase are fully in place. The support provided for a minority of weaker readers in the secondary phase is not consistently strong. Leaders must ensure that all pupils in the secondary phase are supported to develop their reading fluency and love of reading.

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