New Horizons Children's Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 24 May 2022

New Horizons is a school where every pupil is welcome and nurtured. Pupils enjoy attending school and appreciate the way staff look after them. They feel safe and happy. Pupils know whom they can talk to if they have any worries or problems. Teachers have high expectations of pupils, and uphold the vision of 'Child first, aspire, challenge, achieve'. This helps pupils to have higher aspirations for themselves. They know teachers expect them to work hard. They have positive attitudes to learning, and achieve well. Pupils regularly attend the wide range of after-school clubs. These include musical theatre, science experiments, baking, sewing, cricket, art and football. There are many opportunities for pupils to develop independence and take on roles of responsibility, as well as activities that support their local community. For example, pupils were raising funds for the hospital that one of their classmates attends. Pupils behave well. They move around the school in a calm and orderly fashion and play together well in the playground. Those who struggle with their behaviour are supported effectively. Staff help pupils to resolve conflicts quickly. This includes any bullying, which most pupils say does not happen very often.

What the school should improve

• The school's curriculum thinking does not always clearly identify what key knowledge is to be taught. This does not help teachers to be explicit about what they teach. It also means that pupils do not always understand or develop the knowledge and skills that staff intend. Leaders need to continue with the work they have started in streamlining curriculum planning to ensure that pupils learn the key knowledge and concepts they need.
• Not all pupils have a secure understanding that difference is a positive. As a result, some pupils are very negative in their perception of the strategies staff use to support other pupils. This is particularly in cases where pupils find it difficult to manage their own behaviour. Leaders need to work with pupils to develop their understanding of difference and their understanding that all pupils have equality of opportunity to learn.

Read the full Ofsted report (opens in a new tab)