Yeoman Park Academy praised by Ofsted for ‘high ambitions for all’

Following an Ofsted short inspection on 15 and 16 March 2022, we are pleased to confirm that the academy has retained its ‘outstanding’ judgement.

A short inspection is a visit carried out within ‘outstanding’ rated schools to ensure standards have been maintained since the last inspection date. The visit looked at the overall effectiveness of the academy, including the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, as well as leadership and management.

In its report, published on 13 May, academy leaders were praised for having ‘high ambitions for all pupils and wanting the very best outcomes for them’ and for staff being ‘very skilled in meeting the children’s complex needs’.

Inspectors found that ‘pupils feel safe’, ‘look forward to coming to this welcoming school’ and that ‘staff care for pupils with kindness and respect’. Staff were also credited for being ‘knowledgeable about pupils individual needs and particular vulnerabilities’, and knowing the ‘communication needs of all pupils well’. The report outlined that ‘leaders have developed suitable curriculum pathways to meet the varied and complex needs of the pupils who attend the school’ and that they ‘have thought carefully about what pupils will learn in each of these pathways.’

Executive principal, Lucy Spacey, said: “There really is something special about Yeoman Park. We have an incredibly dedicated team of staff who are committed to the wonderful children and young people who attend our academy. Our priority is always on the individual needs of our pupils, who are at the heart of everything we do – and we are incredibly proud of the exemplary provision and exceptional care we offer.”

Courtney Hoop, principal, added: “Ofsted have provided us with some very positive feedback on the strong, supportive learning environment we offer. And, as a team, we are clear on the continual improvements needed to make Yeoman Park an even more exceptional place to learn and work – and we’re committed to delivering on these.”

It was also wonderful to hear the comments made by our parents and carers, who said their children are safe and happy at the school. Ofsted summed up this feedback through the words of one parent, who said that ‘staff are all so passionate about the children and as a parent this makes me extremely happy.’

Dave Cotton, CEO of Diverse Academies Trust said: “Our parents and carers place great faith in us – and this is a responsibility we don’t take lightly. We value immensely our partnerships with our families, which helps us ensure that what we do within the academy supports their child’s education, health and wellbeing. My thanks also go to the staff team for the amazing work they do day-in, day-out, and for their ambition to drive standards even higher. Our staff and children should be very proud of this inspection outcome.”