Moorhouse Academy improves Ofsted rating to ‘Good’

Moorhouse Academy has recently been awarded a ‘Good’ rating by Ofsted, an improvement from the Milnrow school’s previous ‘Inadequate’ rating.

The rating is the school’s first since becoming an academy under the Watergrove Trust in 2021.

The inspection report said the school had “raised its expectations of pupils’ achievement” since joining the multi-academy trust and that pupils with SEND “receive the support that they need to be involved in the life of the school.”

Pupils were said to “thrive in the knowledge that the school expects the very best from them” and felt assured “that adults will support them if they have any worries.” Pupils said they felt valued, happy and safe as “everyone treats each other kindly and with respect.”

Inspectors said children showed that they “are courteous and polite. They hold doors open for adults and say a cheerful hello to all those that they meet.” They also “walk around school calmly and considerately to ensure that they do not disturb other lessons.”

The children were also praised for showing “good behaviour both in lessons and during playtimes” and younger children “demonstrate high levels of independence” whilst the school was commended for enhancing their curiosity by providing first-hand experiences, such as visiting a farm and going to see dinosaur exhibitions.

The report noted teachers have “established consistent ways to check that pupils’ prior knowledge is secure before they introduce new learning.”

They added: “Teachers successfully deliver the curriculum through well thought-out, appropriate activities that support pupils to know and remember more.” Pupils also enjoyed their lessons and are immersed in their learning, the inspectors said.

A high priority at the school is reading, inspectors found, saying that children are helped to be “confident readers” whilst “older pupils continue to regularly read books matched to their reading stage.”

However, it was noted that some older pupils did not read “widely enough to extend their learning and interests further.”

Inspectors said the pupils “embrace learning about cultures and faiths that are different to their own” and “understand the importance of tolerance.”

Inspectors highlighted that learning is promoted “beyond the academic curriculum,” citing examples of some pupils learning first-aid skills and older pupils taking part in an event run by the emergency services to “enhance their learning about staying safe and making appropriate choices.”

The school was lauded for “swift and successful action to address the shortcomings in the curriculum” as a result of the negative impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. Inspectors said the curriculum is now “broad, balanced and ambitious” and Moorhouse has “taken effective steps to address any gaps in pupils’ learning caused by the pandemic.”

Both the school and the Watergrove Trust were praised for ensuring changes “do not have a negative effect on staff’s workload,” ensuring staff have the necessary time to carry out their work, including for making improvements to their subjects.

Staff are extremely positive about the school and “appreciate the support that they receive for their wellbeing.”

Safeguarding arrangements were also praised for their effectiveness.

Inspectors identified a couple of areas for improvement including improving the promptness of addressing pupils’ attendance and supporting pupils in extending their reading choices “beyond familiar texts.”

Kelly Milnes, head of school, said: “I am delighted with the outcome of our recent Ofsted Inspection.

“I could not be prouder of our school community as everyone has worked so hard to secure a judgement of ‘good’ in all areas.

“I am particularly proud of the first line of the report, ‘pupils thrive in the knowledge that the school expects the very best from them.’

“We will continue to support our children and families in the best way we can and be the school that you all deserve.”