A COUNTY Durham secondary school has been criticised after receiving a damning inspection from Ofsted earlier this year with failures in its leadership and management.

 

St Leonard's Catholic School in Durham City was told it "requires improvement" after inspectors found a catalogue of problems during visits on January 26 and 27, this year.

In the report, the school was criticised for treatment of Special Education Needs and Disabilities pupils, failing to communicate with parents and lacking consistency. 

Read more: Firefighters battle large-scale fire at derelict Willington building

This inspection was carried out in response to a string of complaints made to Ofsted that raised “serious concerns” over the operation of the school.

'A high turnover of staff'

Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector decided that an inspection of the school should take place to follow up the whole-school issues that were raised.

In the report, which was published last night, James Duncan, lead inspector of Ofsted, said that “the leaders" effectiveness in driving whole-school improvement had been inconsistent and has lacked sufficient rigour and coherence,” due to a high turnover of staff.

The education inspector also said: “Leaders have identified some of the weaknesses in the school and worked to address these.

"However, some aspects of strategic oversight are vague. Improving some areas, such as the school’s provision for pupils with SEND, has not been appropriately prioritised by leaders.”

The same was also cited about disadvantaged pupils, and the governor’s ability to challenge leadership on policies made within school and decisions that impact the 1,386 students that attend St Leonard’s and 240 that attend the sixth form.

The Northern Echo: This inspection was carried out following complaints made to Ofsted that raised “serious concerns”. Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector decided that an inspection of the school should take place to follow up the whole-school issues that were raised. Picture: NORTHERN ECHOI.This inspection was carried out following complaints made to Ofsted that raised “serious concerns”. Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector decided that an inspection of the school should take place to follow up the whole-school issues that were raised. Picture: NORTHERN ECHOI.

Some praise was given

But the school was praised by Ofsted inspectors for running a “calm and controlled” environment, while also noting “Incidents of poor behaviour are infrequent.”

Positives were also noted about the knowledge that pupils have of subjects, which is down to the teachers and teaching assistants.

The report read: “Within lessons, pupils are engaged and focused.

Read more: How Darlington woman reacted to Boris Johnson's Covid fine

"Teachers do not accept passivity from pupils. Teachers are knowledgeable and committed. Despite having lacked direction from leaders of SEND, learning support assistants also enhance pupils’ learning.

“Pupils benefit from well-sequenced lessons, delivered by passionate and committed teachers. Low-level poor behaviour is not tolerated by staff, and consequently lessons have a real sense of purpose.”

Further concerns raised

However, further into the document, the leadership is again criticised for a “fragmented” relationship with parents – which sometimes impacts the communication between the two, according to Ofsted.

The report continued: “Leaders do not regularly canvass opinions, and methods of communication between home and school are sometimes fragmented. It does not help that some information on the school website is out of date.”

Following the scathing inspection, headteacher of the school, Chris Hammill, sent a letter to parents about the report – saying that while the school accepts the grading, it is working to address issues within the education facility.

The Northern Echo: In contrast, the Durham-based school was praised by Ofsted inspectors for running a “calm and controlled” environment, while also noting “Incidents of poor behaviour are infrequent.” Picture: NORTHERN ECHO.In contrast, the Durham-based school was praised by Ofsted inspectors for running a “calm and controlled” environment, while also noting “Incidents of poor behaviour are infrequent.” Picture: NORTHERN ECHO. (Image: Northern Echo)

An extract of Mr Hamill’s letter read: “We did our very best, both during and after our inspections, to present reasoned views and substantial evidence, but we were not able to convince Ofsted that the ‘requires improvement’ grade for leadership and management and overall effectiveness is disappointing, disproportionate and does not accurately reflect our school.

“The very specific strands identified for improvement around SEND and school procedures have been brought out in the report and which we fully accept.

“As we move forward, we are confident we can keep getting stronger for the benefit of all our pupils, especially those who need support the most.”

The school was approached for comment.

Are you a parent of a child at St Leonard's in Durham? If so get in touch by emailing patrick.gouldsbrough@newsquest.co.uk

--

Keep up to date with all the latest news on our website, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

You can also follow our dedicated County Durham Facebook page for all the latest in the area by clicking here.

For all the top news updates from right across the region straight to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter here.

Have you got a story for us? Contact our newsdesk on newsdesk@nne.co.uk or contact 01325 505054