School improving but remains in special measures

Ofsted said Idsall School in Shifnal, Shropshire, had made progress but would remain in special measures

A school will remain in special measures after being rated inadequate by inspectors amid concerns about pupil behaviour.

Ofsted said Idsall School, a secondary in Shifnal, Shropshire, had made progress against some targets but more work was required before it could be removed from the designation.

Inspectors said in a monitoring report that standards of behaviour at the school had improved but they witnessed low-level disruption.

Headteacher Michelle King said she was pleased school leaders had been recognised for their progress.

Ofsted inspector Alexander Laner said further work analysing some pupil behaviour was needed to establish a clear picture of the problems.

“Behaviour in lessons has improved," he wrote. "However, there is still work to be done."

Mr Laner said most lessons visited during the inspections were calm but while most teachers challenged poor behaviour, not all did so consistently.

'Right actions'

A report by Ofsted in September 2022 said pupils did not feel safe at the site.

Some said they experienced “frequent sexual harassment or discriminatory behaviour from their peers” - claims that were contested by the school.

Idsall joined the Marches Academy Trust in 2023. A deputy head-teacher and a special educational needs specialist have since joined the staff on secondment from other schools.

“These changes, alongside changes to the roles and responsibilities of the rest of your leadership team, are enabling you to focus your work on the right things,” Mr Laney told the school.

"You are taking the right actions, in the right order and at the right pace.”

Ms King told parents there was still work to do but said children realised they must meet expectations.

"We are constantly seeking ways to work more closely with you to support every pupil making good progress," she said.

"We remain fully committed to ensuring we work proactively together with pupils, parents and our community."

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This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.