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Alt Academy in Oldham received its first post-pandemic OFSTED inspection and its second successive ‘Good’ judgement since joining The Harmony Trust in 2016.

Alt Academy was visited by OFSTED in November with leaders, staff and families delighted with the report.  The inspection was ungraded and meant that the previous ‘good’ grading remained in place. Amongst many positive attributes of the academy, inspectors praised the Academy’s provision for children with SEND (Special Educational Needs/Disabilities), the way children “enjoy coming to Alt Academy,” and the high expectations of behaviour and learning.  The report also commended the strong relationships between the school and parents, noting that “Leaders are committed to supporting pupils and their families.  The school's staff are equally committed.  Parents appreciate the school's support and are full of praise for its work in this respect."

Katie Jordon, Principal of Alt Academy said: “Our team have been tireless in responding to the needs of our children and families.  Our teaching staff have recently redesigned the curriculum with a strong emphasis on knowledge retention and delivering engaging and interesting lessons.  We were pleased to see that the high expectations of our children and the strong subject knowledge of our staff was highlighted, as we know that both these factors make for excellent achievement.  Inspectors also drew attention to our new forest school provision which is part of our nurture approach to inclusion for children with social and emotional needs and is already having an impact within school.”

Antony Hughes, CEO of The Harmony Trust added: “This well-deserved report demonstrates the Alt team's systematic and sustained transformation of education in the academy by maximising the impact of Harmony Trust frameworks such as ‘The Harmony Phonics Scheme,’ ‘The Harmony Pledge’ and ‘Read, Achieve, Succeed.’  Ms Jordon and the team have the very highest of expectations and aspirations for the children; right from the fantastic early years provision all the way through to Year 6.  This is all built on solid foundations of pupil personal development and exemplary behaviour.”