A FOLLOW-UP report to the damning review of Beaulieu in November has found that the school is taking ‘effective action’ to remedy its problems.
In January, the Education Department published a highly critical inspection report, shedding light on leadership failings and ‘inconsistencies in the quality of teaching’ at the school.
Now, a follow-up has been published following a visit in April by the same independent school inspector who led the original review team in November.
The Independent Jersey Schools Review Framework has concluded that the school’s senior leaders and trustees are ‘taking effective action to tackle the key areas identified for improvement’, including prioritising the improvement of communication with parents, developing a new strategic vision for the school for the next 18 months and transforming their record-keeping systems in relation to the checks that are made on staff.
The earlier report was published following the departure of Andrea Kirby, whose exit led to a petition being signed by more than 1,000 people, the subsequent controversial restructuring of the school’s senior management and the stepping-back of the former head teacher, Chris Beirne.
Among the review’s findings were that some staff had been ‘over-generous’ in their self-assessment and that recent changes in senior leadership and poor communication had led to ‘a lack of accountability and a dip in educational standards’.
Commenting on the release of the new report, Children’s and Education Minister Inna Gardiner said: ‘I am reassured to read of the progress made and look forward to this continuing. I know how important this is to Beaulieu parents.’
Beaulieu acting head teacher Paul Robinson said: ‘I am overwhelmed by the response that the school has received in recent months from all members of the Beaulieu community and we are appreciative of the continued support and guidance being offered to Beaulieu by the Government of Jersey.
‘I would like to thank all staff at Beaulieu, who have risen to the challenge of responding to the November report with dedication, determination and passion. All staff remain fully committed to the students under our care, and I look forward to continuing to work with parents, students and staff so that Beaulieu remains and continues to develop as a wonderful place to both learn and work.’
