Bellemoor School | Southampton

This inspection was carried out under section 8 of the Education Act 2005 which gives Her Majestys Chief Inspector of Schools the authority to inspect any school in England. The inspection is to be treated as a section 5 inspection under the same Act.

Introduction

The inspection was carried out by one of Her Majestys Inspectors and three Additional Inspectors.

Description of the school

Bellemoors students come from across the City of Southampton. A quarter of them do not have English as their first language. There is a small but steadily increasing number of asylum seekers mainly from Eastern Europe. Most of these students start school with little English but very quickly learn to communicate effectively. Students prior attainment when they start the school is below average. The number of students with learning difficulties and disabilities is broadly average.

When the school was inspected in November 2004, it was judged to require special measures.

Key for inspection grades

Grade 1                  Outstanding

Grade 2                  Good

Grade 3                  Satisfactory

Grade 4                  Inadequate

Overall effectiveness of the school

The school has made good progress since being subject to special measures following the last inspection in November 2004. It now provides an acceptable standard of education and, from the evidence of the significant improvements made; there is a clear capacity to continue this improvement under the direction of the headteacher and senior leadership team. The school provides satisfactory value for money.

Although, standards are still below the national average, students progress is improving in lessons. This is because teachers are planning students learning better. Through improved assessment procedures teachers know what students need to do to raise the quality of their work. Teachers and their assistants (associate professionals) provide students with the support they need to improve. Students are keen to do well and their behaviour and attitudes in class have significantly improved since the last inspection. Behaviour, usually good, is occasionally unsatisfactory. In addition some lessons are not organised well enough and do not challenge all the students who as a result become bored and restless. Students enjoy coming to school and are now more punctual at the start of the day and when getting to lessons. As a result, attendance has improved and exclusion rates have fallen.

Good new appointments and the restructuring of the management team have led to improved and effective leadership. As one student said the headteacher has united the school in a special way. The strong management now includes subject leaders. This is better organised and more accountable within each department. The Local Authority continues to offer good support, through its guidance of the management team and through monitoring teaching. However, the impact of these improvements has not yet been fully evaluated.

In accordance with section 13 (4) of the Education Act 2005, HMCI is of the opinion that the school no longer requires special measures.

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