Reach Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 22 February 2023

Pupils say that coming to school makes them feel safe. Leaders and staff recognise the many challenges that pupils face outside school and work closely with parents to keep pupils safe. Pupils quickly learn that staff are 'on their team' and trusting relationships between staff and pupils flourish. These close relationships help pupils learn as well as understand how to successfully manage their behaviour. Leaders and staff are ambitious that pupils will be successful learners during their time in school. Many pupils have missed school in the past. Some pupils find reading hard when they arrive at school. The mantra, 'If you can't read it's harder to learn' is understood by staff and pupils. Phonics lessons are now in place, and they help pupils to learn how to read and make up for lost time if they need this. Staff, leaders and the school dog greet pupils each morning. A cheerful 'Hello' often helps pupils to relax and put behind them the issues they have faced since they were last in school. This meet and greet also helps staff to recognise how pupils are feeling. This enables staff to offer the right support during form time to help pupils make a successful start to the school day. Pupils spoken to recognise bullying does happen occasionally. They know what to do if it happens and say staff are good at dealing with any incidents that may occur.

What the school should improve

• Planning for learning in mathematics is not consistent across the school. As a result, pupils do not always make the progress they should, particularly for stronger mathematicians. Leaders need to develop further the curriculum to ensure it is more carefully sequenced and focused on meeting the needs of all pupils.

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