Springwell Alternative Academy Grantham

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 27 September 2022

The ethos of the school is expressed through the 'golden threads'. These include values such as 'genuine care' and 'patience and resilience'. Leaders and staff uphold these values. There is a strong focus on catering for pupils' individual needs and circumstances. Staff know and understand the pupils very well. The aim is to provide 'second chances' for pupils who have struggled to cope in a mainstream setting. Parents and carers praise the care and education that their children receive. A typical comment is: 'My child is very happy and settled and enjoys going in every day.' Pupils' behaviour in lessons is usually calm and cooperative. They take part in well- planned learning activities, supported by skilled staff. Strong relationships between staff and pupils promote positive attitudes to learning. During their time at the school, the behaviour of some pupils has significantly improved. Most pupils have also improved their rates of attendance. Pupils say that they receive regular teaching about bullying. They understand that it is wrong. They know to speak to a trusted adult if they have concerns. Staff are quick to respond to any allegations of bullying. Many pupils say that they feel safe at the school.

What the school should improve

• Some pupils do not feel that leaders take their views about the school into account as well as they could, including in relation to how staff manage pupils' behaviour. As a result, they do not always feel as well supported or listened to as they may wish to be. Leaders are aware and have plans to resolve this, including through staff recruitment and by creating more occasions to capture pupils' opinions. Leaders should ensure that these proposals enable them to gather pupils' views about the school, including in relation to behaviour management, and that this informs future strategies and school improvement planning.
• Leaders' monitoring of aspects of the provision is not as sharp as it should be. As a result, leaders have not ensured that staff consistently implement all strategies, including in how they support pupils to regulate their own behaviour. Leaders at all levels, including governors, should make sure that their monitoring of the provision is precise enough to ensure that staff's practice consistently follows policy and leaders' expectations.

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