Sudden inspection at Northampton school after safeguarding concerns raised

Ofsted inspectors dropped into Malcolm Arnold Academy unannounced last month to check on safeguarding procedures, pupils' behaviour and attitudes and their personal development.

It comes as 'many teachers have left the school in the last 12 months', including the former headteacher Nicola Koncarevic.

A new interim principal, Kim Lawton, has been in post since the end of September as well two new vice principals.

New head, Megan Morris, has been appointed to take charge from September 2020.

The report described trust leaders as 'ambitious for the pupils' and after 'a period of challenge, staff are confident that things are improving' but they agreed they did not respond swiftly enough to stem the decline in standards at the school last year.

Further findings from the inspection, published in March, found that new safeguarding leaders have made sure that staff have had up-to-date training.

Papers written by chief inspector Rachel Tordoff said: 'Staff are well informed and understand the latest safeguarding guidance.

'For instance, they know about up-skirting and the risks of pupils being exploited for criminal activity.

'They know who to inform if they have a concern about another adult'.

After Nicola Koncarevic's departure, a strict new set of rules were introduced at the school to 'improve behaviour', which included students being told to carry their backpacks in their hands instead of on their backs.

Most pupils' inspectors spoke to said behaviour at the school had improved but some older pupils felt the rules 'had been changed too quickly'.

'Trust leaders did not communicate the changes to the behaviour policy well enough to parents and carers', the report added.

'They did not make sure that parents understood the new approach well enough and trust leaders are now providing opportunities for parents to meet with them to discuss any concerns they may have'.

The report continues positvely, adding how there is a culture of mutual respect and tolerance between pupils and with adults and at breaktime pupils gathered around the grand pianos to share their love of music.

It interim report comes after the school was rated as 'good' by the education watchdog in June 2018.

A spokeswoman for Malcolm Arnold Academy said: "We are delighted that Ofsted inspectors have confirmed our view that behaviour has improved and staff feel well supported by the senior leadership team at the academy and the David Ross Education Trust more generally.

"We have made some extremely exciting appointments amongst our teaching staff, who will start after the Easter break, and of course, we have a new Principal joining us in September.

"Together these measures will ensure that Malcolm Arnold Academy continues to go from strength to strength."