A SCHOOL which had been placed in 'special measures' after Ofsted deemed it inadequate following an inspection has since made several improvements.

Three monitoring visits have been made to Ranikhet Academy, Spey Road, since it was rated inadequate in December 2018.

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A report from the time states that safeguarding had not been effective; support for students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) was poor; the curriculum was inadequate; persistent absence rates were well above the national average figures and many parents and carers had lost faith in the school, causing the numbers to decline.

The most recent monitoring visit was in March this year, and was published this week.

It noted that the school was 'progressing well' with improvements it has made to the quality of education.

Inspectors said: "The quality of teaching is much stronger.

"Regular training and support with curriculum planning from across the local cluster of trust schools is helping."

The report also states that the curriculum in English is getting better, but that there is still room for improvement noting: "Leaders’ vision for developing pupils’ vocabulary, speaking and reading skills is much more established.

"Pupils are increasingly able to use a wider range of vocabulary in their writing accurately.

"However, many pupils still have a way to go to catch up to where they should be.

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"More work is needed to make sure that pupils’ reading improves, including helping pupils to become more fluent readers by ensuring that they practise reading much more regularly."

Inspectors said that the curriculum was also improving, with science "becoming more established and history and personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education in the early stages of development."

Pupils’ behaviour in class and around the school has improved drastically, according to the report.

Pupils said that they appreciate the better teaching they now receive, with one saying that their teacher "has brought respect back into the classroom."

It was also noted that behaviour needs of pupils with SEND are also being identified and met more securely than in the past.

However, inspectors said that attendance remains an issue, including absences because of unauthorised term-time holidays.

The trust said it recognises that it still needs to closely oversee the school’s progress.

A layer of governance above the transition board has now been set up, which will be attended by local cluster chairs of governors and some trustee officers and trustees.

It will report directly to trustees.

One section of the report reads: "The senior leadership team is working very effectively to improve the school.

"Its members have streamlined their monitoring so that they have a more secure understanding of the progress the school is making.

"They have used performance management processes well to hold staff to account for their work. Leaders are more strategic and reflective than previously.

"As a result, they have achieved much since the previous monitoring visit."

The report explained that, in particular, teaching is improving and there is a calmer, more positive atmosphere in the school.

The report reads: "Safeguarding remains leaders’ top priority.

"For example, the curriculum now includes playing and learning in the local woods and park because some pupils were too worried to go there after school."

The school has been contacted for comment.