Inspectors heap praise on the way Melton secondary school is run

Inspectors concluded that the Ambleside Way school continued to be ‘good’ following its first inspection since the disruption caused by the Covid pandemic.

They found that students and teachers readily buy into the school’s motto, ‘together, enjoy, achieve’ (TEA), and that leaders ensure the curriculum is broader in its scope than the national curriculum demands

Part of the report states: “Pupils cherish being part of this school family.

"They recognise the school’s unique ethos.

“They delight in their many and varied accomplishments.

"Staff colourfully and vividly celebrate pupils’ successes, achievements and learning, in classrooms and corridors and on social media.

"Pupils form lasting memories.”

Reacting to the report, principal Chris Haggett told the Melton Times: “We are so pleased at Long Field.

"It was a tough two days but we felt the report and inspection really reflected what it was like to be at our school.

"The students, staff and parents were all so positive in their feedback during the inspection, it was a bit of a tear-jerker for me when we got the feedback.

“This is now my third inspection at Long Field and it just seems to get better and better as a school.

"There are plenty more surprises to come next year.”

Pupils feel safe and value the support of staff, the inspectors found, while parents and carers are overwhelmingly positive about their children’s experiences in school.

In their focus on learning and subjects taught, the inspection team wrote: “There is an increase in the uptake of modern languages among Years 10 and 11 pupils.

“This enables more pupils to gain from a broader academic curriculum than was previously the case.”

On reading in school, they found: “Leaders are developing a strong culture of reading.

"Staff assess pupils’ reading regularly.

“They use this information to determine which pupils need extra support to catch up.

“Leaders make sure that these pupils get the help to become fluent and confident in their reading.”

The inspection team were glowing in their praise for the way Long Field staff support the 910 students in their individual personal development.

“Pupils comment positively about the wide range of extra-curricular events and clubs that engage their interests, the report states.

"Older pupils speak passionately about their learning and cultural experiences while attending international visits to France, Germany, Indonesia and New

York.”

Arrangements for safeguarding are effective and staff know their responsibilities in this area.

The report highlights high job satisfaction for teachers and other employees, commenting: “Overwhelmingly, staff are proud to be part of this school...They

enjoy working at the school, and describe the school community as a close family.”

Inspectors also highlighted an area where Long Field can improve, stating: “There is strength in the quality of education at this school.

"Leaders demonstrate strong capacity to make this provision even better.

"Leaders should further raise expectations across the school and ensure that all subject curriculums are of equal high calibre, enabling all pupils to know and remember even more of the ambitiously planned curriculum.”