Plymouth school remains in "special measures"

It has been in "special measures" since 2021

A specialist school in Plymouth where there are regular physical assaults on pupils and staff will remain in “special measures” after its latest damning Ofsted report.

Mount Tamar School at St Budeaux, which provides education for children with emotional and  behavioural difficulties and autistic pupils, is an environment where “dangerous and disrespectful behaviours are widespread” and “learning is overshadowed by conflict between pupils”, said inspectors who have rated it as needing improvement in five out of six categories – achievement, attendance and behaviour, curriculum and teaching, inclusion and leadership and governance.

The report which follows a visit to the school in January says bullying goes unaddressed and staff struggle to manage pupil behaviour.

Pupils and staff were at risk of injury, either because it was necessary for staff to physically restrain pupils, or due to direct assaults. Children who witnessed violent incidents had increased anxiety and emotional difficulties impacting attendance.

Parents and carers, staff and visitors to the school all expressed concern for the safety of pupils and staff, said the report.

Support plans for SEND children were inaccurate, out-of-date and unclear and staff did not have the right information or training to guide how they might adapt their teaching to meet pupils’ needs.

Mount Tamar School has around 100 pupils who all have education, health and care plans (ECHPs). It was rated inadequate in 2021 when it was run by Plymouth City Council. In 2023 it was taken over by the Transforming Futures Multi Academy Trust, which also has a second failing special school at Courtlands at Crownhill where inspectors found staff routinely used physical restraint there to manage pupils when they were in emotional crisis.

The trust said in a statement it was working closely with the Department for Education on a planned voluntary merger with Reach South Academy Trust which would “bring additional leadership capacity, specialist expertise and long-term stability, helping to accelerate the improvements already underway”.

It said Mount Tamar had faced “longstanding legacy challenges” before joining Transforming Futures Trust in 2023, compounded by “instability in senior leadership”. 

A stable and consistent leadership structure has now been in place for the past 12-18 months, providing clearer direction, increased capacity and a sustained focus on improving standards and culture across the school.

The education watchdog recognised that whilst a new team of school and curriculum leaders had begun positive work focused on the school’s priorities they said it was “too soon” for this to have made a difference to the day-to-day experiences of pupils and staff.

Mark Ruffett, executive headteacher at Mount Tamar, said the Ofsted report was “a disappointing outcome”.

“The findings make clear the scale of improvement required,” he said. “Both the school and trust fully accept this and are focused on delivering the rapid, sustained change that pupils need and deserve. 

“While early progress is evident, it is not yet where it needs to be, and there is no complacency about the work ahead. The priority now is to secure consistency, strengthen standards and ensure that improvements are felt by every pupil, every day.”

Plymouth City Council cabinet member for education Sally Cresswell (Lab, Stoke) said findings set out by inspectors were “serious and, without doubt, a hard read”.

“We understand that the recent inspection outcome for Mount Tamar School will raise concerns among families and the wider school community. The school plays an important role for many children, and we recognise the continued commitment of staff working to support them.

 “It is essential that weaknesses are addressed quickly and with clear focus. This is not a local authority school but these are all of our Plymouth children.  We want the best outcomes for all so that they thrive and achieve.  

“We are already working closely with the multi academy trust and the headteacher to understand the full detail of the report and ensure the right support, leadership and resources are put in place as a priority.  

“Our commitment is to the children and families who rely on Mount Tamar. We will continue working in partnership with the trust to help the school on its improvement journey and to make sure pupils receive the high‑quality education and care they deserve.”

She added Reach South Academy Trust had a number of very successful schools in the city and worked very closely and productively with the local authority.  

“It will have the necessary expertise and ability to support and drive rapid and sustainable improvements,” she said.