Ofsted: Devon school to stay in special measures

A school in Devon rated "inadequate" by Ofsted remains in special measures after an inspector's follow-up visit.

In March 2023, a report on River Dart Academy in Dartington, cited a "poor standard of education", "disorderly and disrespectful behaviour" and curriculum issues.

A subsequent report has identified "progress to improve".

However, it said "more work is necessary" before it could be removed from special measures.

In the initial Ofsted report on the academy, which opened in 2018, inspectors said the needs of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), were "too frequently" not precisely identified.

Inspectors branded the curriculum "disjointed" and lacking ambition, coherence and structure, while children learning to read were "not supported well".

Following her subsequent visit and in a letter to the acting principal published on Thursday, inspector Heather Barraclough noted a "clear determination" to focus on what needs to improve.

She cited ongoing issues including the lack of "defined curriculum" to support older pupils to "develop a love of reading".

But she said a "shared understanding of what is being taught, and why, is developing".

She said the school was "not complacent" and recognised there was "further work to do" to develop the curriculum.

She noted plans for SEND pupils were now in place and training in this area was being prioritised - but the impact of this was "yet to be evaluated".

The initial Ofsted report said pupils' behaviour was "disorderly and disrespectful, and sometimes unsafe", with "low expectations" among staff.

Following the monitoring visit, Ms Barraclough noted an overhaul of "behaviour systems, policy and processes", with "clearer expectations of what is acceptable and not acceptable".

While pupils said behaviour had improved and "suspensions have reduced", there was "still work to do", the inspector noted.

Ms Barraclough noted "significant staffing changes", including the departure of the former principal, with the school now led by acting principal Jayne Brigg and director of education for WAVE Multi Academy Trust.

A new permanent principal was due to start in January 2024, she added.

Other changes included a new Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo) and new teaching staff.

In the January report, inspectors said leaders had "not provided staff with appropriate professional training".

However, Ms Barraclough cited changes including building expertise while "relevant training and development" was being prioritised.

The letter said safeguarding processes and procedures were in place to ensure pupils were safe.

She added: "The trust are aware that challenges remain, particularly as more pupils join the school and new initiatives embed."

The BBC has contacted the school for comment.

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