The Newbridge School has provided a response to the 'inadequate' Ofsted rating it received in the summer.

The Coalville school was heavily criticised in a June report which pointed out the existence of bullying, low tolerance of those of a different sexuality or race, and little confidence in the teachers to deal with that sort of behaviour.

Also, the report said that some pupils were disruptive of the learning of other students.

But Newbridge has said it is taking steps to make the improvements requested by Ofsted.

The school issued a statement to Coalville Nub News today (Tuesday).

A spokesperson for The Newbridge School said: "The Newbridge School acknowledges the areas for improvement identified by Ofsted in their report, following inspection in June 2022, and has already made clear progress on driving forward improvements in all areas. 

"During their visit, Inspectors recognised that new leaders of The Newbridge School - in post since September 2021 – had already 'identified what needs to improve' and that actions were 'beginning to have a positive impact'.  

"Parents and carers of pupils at The Newbridge School were recently invited in, where a robust and detailed plan for continued improvement was shared. 

"This included completed actions and next steps for:  

• A high quality of education for all, including an ambitious curriculum and further improved SEND (Children with special educational needs and disabilities) provision. 

• Ensuring an inclusive and respectful school environment, through education, celebration of diversity and a clear reporting procedure 

• A positive behaviour management system with explicit expectations 

"On September 1, 2022, the school joined the Lionheart Educational Trust - a well-established trust with a strong infrastructure, a proven track record for improving standards and outcomes, and a drive for diversity and inclusion among school communities – further strengthening our commitment to delivering an excellent provision for current and future students of The Newbridge School." 

The June report had highlighted a number of areas where they felt the school was lacking.

It said: "Some pupils make derogatory comments about those who are different to themselves, including those of a different sexuality, gender or ethnicity.

"They do not show respect for the different protected characteristics.

"Leaders must ensure that the school has a culture where such behaviour is not tolerated.

"Leaders should ensure that pupils have confidence that staff will take such issues seriously and deal with them effectively.

"Some pupils do not behave as well as they should. Some pupils disrupt the learning of their peers.

"Leaders must make sure that all staff implement the behaviour policy consistently well.

"They must ensure that the poor behaviour of a few pupils does not disrupt the learning of others.

"Pupils say that bullying happens. Pupils do not always report it because they do not have confidence that leaders will deal with it effectively.

"They worry that it will happen again or will get worse. Leaders must ensure that bullying is dealt with effectively and consistently, so pupils know that bullying is not acceptable and will be taken seriously.

"Actions taken to support pupils are not always clear on safeguarding records. When this is the case, it is not clear that appropriate action has been taken.

"Leaders must make sure that all actions are recorded so that they can assure themselves that all pupils are getting the right support.

"Teachers do not check that all pupils, including pupils with SEND or those who are disadvantaged, have understood core learning before moving on.

"Teachers should ensure that pupils' understanding of vocabulary and concepts is secure before moving on to the next stage of learning so that they know more and remember more.

"Teachers do not routinely give pupils work that is demanding and matches the aims of the curriculum.

"Pupils do not learn the core knowledge as well as they should. Leaders must ensure that teachers plan learning tasks that allow pupils' learning to build securely."