Melton's Long Field Academy is an '˜improving school' say Ofsted inspectors

According to its latest Ofsted Long Field has improved in all areas, although inspectors say it still ‘requires improvement’.

In its latest report, published this month, the school is judged to be ‘good’ in respect of the effectiveness of leadership and management, quality of teaching, learning and assessment and personal development, behaviour and welfare of students. These three key areas were judged to be ‘requiring improvement’ in the school’s previous Ofsted report published in 2014.

In the area of ‘outcomes for pupils’ the latest report says Long Field ‘requires improvement’ which is a step up from its previous ‘inadequate’ rating.

In their report inspectors praised Long Field principal Chris Haggett for providing ‘effective leadership’ and ‘ensuring that all staff are working together as a strong team’ as well as praising teachers and governors for ‘providing good support for the rapid improvement taking place.’

Mr Haggett took over as principal last year when Long Field joined Nottinghamshire’s The Spencer Academies Trust.

He said: “We’re over the moon that the report recognises our improvement in all areas.

“One of the main things I was pleased about is that the inspectors spoke to a lot of students and every single one said how great it was to be at this school.

“I’m also really pleased with the findings regarding the effectiveness of leadership and management and quality of teaching and learning.”

Mr Haggett said one of the areas the school had really been concentrating on this year was high achieving pupils, adding that evidence of the school’s progress in this area won’t be known until this summer’s results.

He added: “I’ve worked in outstanding schools for 12 years so I know what they need to be like. I’d say Long Field has the potential to become an outstanding school.

“Since September it has been a very different place. I don’t think you will find a happier group of staff or a happier school.

“Everyone has always been very fond of Long Field. The fundamental love of the school has never actually gone, it had re-manifested itself this year.

“All of the parents we’ve shown around the school have sent their children here. Once they get through the door they don’t want to leave.”

In terms of the areas the inspectors highlighted to be in need of improvement Mr Haggett said there were ‘no surprises’ with necessary action already being taken.

The inspectors said a few pupils were still not achieving as well as they should, including some of the most able, and some pupils did not always present work neatly or take enough care over their handwriting.

For Long Field to improve further they said teachers must ensure they stretch all pupils, enabling them to make as much progress as they can, and to have higher expectations over the presentation of work and pupils’ handwriting and spelling.