School put in special measures over poor behaviour 'not complacent' after Ofsted finds progress made

Idsall School, in Shifnal, was plunged into special measures after being rated 'inadequate' over behaviour problems and has to undergo once-a-term monitoring visits from inspectors.

"Behaviour in lessons has improved," reported Alexander Laney in his report published this week.

"However, there is still work to be done. During the inspection, most lessons visited were calm, with pupils readily following staff instructions.

"However, low-level disruption persists in some lessons, and while most teachers now challenge poor behaviour, not all do so consistently. Leaders are now aware of where pupils’ behaviour does not meet their expectations and are working with staff and pupils to resolve this.

"Pupils recognise that there have been changes to the behaviour system and appreciate the increased consistency from staff. They know what will happen if they do not follow the school’s expectations. This is helping most pupils to make better choices about their own behaviour."

Ofsted has "strongly" recommend that the school, which was visited in November for its second monitoring visit, does not seek to appoint early career teachers during this time.

Since going into special measures in 2022 the school has joined the Marches Academy Trust which has supported it on its improvement. The headteacher described it as having a "positive impact".

Michelle King, Idsall's headteacher, told parents earlier this month that the school was "not complacent about what needs to be done" despite the progress made.