Ofsted credited school and trust leaders as well as governors and trustees from our Trust for taking swift and effective action to secure sustainable school improvements. Leaders were said to have added capacity, oversight and challenge since the inspection to support the school’s transformation journey.
The report recognised actions that have been taken in a number of key areas including behaviour, attendance, alternative provision, pupil wellbeing and the curriculum. Inspectors noted that while initiatives are in the early stages, improvements are already beginning to be felt and positive progress is being made.
Ofsted referenced the successful appointment of new leaders who are responsible for behaviour and the implementation of a new clearer behaviour policy which is understood by pupils and implemented by staff.
The report stated, “your actions since the last inspection have focused on ensuring that the behaviour of pupils improves, creating more focused learning environments.” Inspectors added that “for most pupils, this is working well and that disruption to lessons is reducing.” Persistent absence was also found to be reducing but overall attendance remains below the school’s expectations.
Similarly, inspectors commended the school for acting “quickly to review how the school uses alternative provision.” They said, “new leaders have brought increased rigour to the school’s systems” and “provide assurances that pupils accessing alternative provision are effectively safeguarded.”
The school has also added capacity to the pastoral teams that oversee behaviour, attendance and safeguarding. As a result, there is excellent record keeping and any concerns about pupils’ welfare are “acted on swiftly and effectively.” The school’s personal, social and health education lessons also teach pupils how to stay safe.
BBEC and the Trust were commended for working with external partners to further enhance their school improvement plans. This includes working with other trusts to develop the school’s curriculum and joining Department for Education projects to improve behaviour and attendance.
Andrew Taylor, Headteacher at Buttershaw Business and Enterprise College, said:
“We were pleased to welcome Ofsted back into school to demonstrate the robust improvement plans we have in place and show how they are already achieving impact. These include a variety of measures to improve capacity, increase expectations with our new behaviour policy and ultimately ensure our teachers and pupils have all the resources and support they need to reach their potential.
“This report is a positive stepping stone for us in our school improvement journey, and it is encouraging to see our progress recognised by Ofsted. We are committed to building on these improvements to fully embed and secure long-term school improvements for our young people.”
Carol Dewhurst, Chief Executive at Bradford Diocesan Academies Trust, said:
“It is encouraging to see Ofsted commend the hard work of the Buttershaw team and their commitment to implementing and embedding real change and school improvement.
“I am confident that together as a school and Trust, Buttershaw will continue to go from strength to strength and provide the high-quality and nurturing learning environment that ensures our pupils can reach their potential.”
To read the full report click here.