Standards at an £80k per year special school remain ‘Inadequate’ but a returning head is making strides in the right direction, a watchdog says.

Following a visit to Parkview Academy in Margate, Ofsted inspectors told educators more effort is needed to improve students’ learning and behaviour.

They found much progress has been made since its full inspection in November 2023, when it was downgraded from ‘Good’ to the worst possible grade.

“In the very short time since the last inspection, weaknesses in safeguarding, behaviour, supervision and risk management have been addressed successfully,” wrote Ofsted officers.

“Work has begun to provide adults with the knowledge they need to be able to meet pupils’ learning needs more effectively.”

Parkview is a speciality school for children with learning difficulties. It charges annual fees for day pupils of £83,995 and currently caters to 15 pupils between 11 and 16 years old.

“Pupils’ well-being is now actively promoted...”

Following the November inspection, while Kerris Hinton was listed as the head, Parkview was rated ‘Inadequate’ for the categories of behaviour and attitude, education quality and leader and management.

It also scored 'requires improvement’ in the personal development category.

The inspectors’ report highlighted aggressive behaviour by pupils, including commonplace “swearing, derogatory and discriminatory language”

But on this point, Ofsted’s latest report now says: “The atmosphere in the school has changed notably” under the baton of a returning headteacher Bernice Scott.

“Expectations for pupils to treat each other and the adults around them with respect have been reintroduced and are being met more consistently,” the report adds.

“But there is more work to do to ensure that pupils have a sufficiently developed understanding of the importance of being respectful towards those who are different to themselves.”

The 2023 inspection also raised concerns regarding subject curriculums and teacher’s inconsistent subject knowledge.

Officials found “no reading support [was] being provided to any pupil”, and that poorly planned PSHE classes were not teaching youngsters how to stay safe or build positive relationships.

But improvements have been noted since, with the new report published April 25 saying: “Systems are in place to support teachers and learning support assistants to develop their knowledge of subjects and how to teach them effectively”.

On the recent change in headteacher, the report says: “Since rejoining the school in January 2024, the teacher in charge has provided useful knowledge and experience that is helping the school to take the necessary actions.

“There is a common sense of purpose across the school, with a shared desire to make things better.

“Pupils’ well-being is now actively promoted. However, leaders have more work to do in order to ensure that all of the standards are met consistently.”

Parkview Academy was approached for comment.