School placed in special measures after inspectors greeted by protesting parents

A secondary school plagued by staff strikes has been handed a scathing inspection report and put into the highest level of monitoring by inspectors. Flint High School has been hit by industrial action from teachers raising concerns about bullying and student conduct.

Estyn inspectors paid a visit to the school last November – where they were greeted by protesting parents. Their report into the school, placing it in special measures, has now been published.

Inspectors concluded the school is failing to deliver an "acceptable standard of education". The report outlines failings – ranging from inadequate safeguarding of pupils to broken relationships amongst staff at every level. Six recommendations have been issued to drive improvement at the school.

James Forber has been appointed as interim executive headteacher for both Flint High School and Connah's Quay High School to guide the school through improvement.

Flintshire Council said that following the inspection swift action has been taken to tackle the most pressing safeguarding issues highlighted by Estyn.

Estyn's report reads: "In recent years the senior leadership team has failed to provide Flint High School with adequate leadership. As a result the school does not provide its pupils with an acceptable standard of education.

"Systemic weaknesses in leadership, teaching and wellbeing provision mean that too few pupils, including those with additional learning needs (ALN), feel safe in school, enjoy their learning or make sufficient progress in the development of their knowledge, understanding and skills.

"Senior leaders have failed to secure a culture of safeguarding. Although many staff are committed to improving the wellbeing of pupils, overall the school does not support pupils' behaviour, attendance or engagement in their learning well enough.

"There are significant shortcomings in how attendance is recorded and monitored, how disruptive behaviour and bullying are managed, and how well the school ensures that pupils are safe. As a result, the safety of pupils is a serious concern.

"Senior leaders do not support the development of effective teaching successfully. In particular, they do not help teachers to manage pupils' behaviour well enough. Teachers are also hampered by a poorly designed curriculum and the inefficient deployment of staff."

The inspectorate added: "In a minority of cases teaching helps pupils to make adequate progress and develop suitably positive attitudes to their learning.

"However, in many instances low expectations, ineffective behaviour management and weak planning limit pupils' progress. Pupils do not develop their independence and resilience sufficiently well. Provision to develop pupils' skills across the curriculum is notably underdeveloped.

"Leadership has limited impact on all aspects of the school's work and has not addressed national priorities well enough. It has failed to promote unity, trust and a sense of collaboration, and in too many instances fractured relationships between staff at all levels promote a culture of distrust.

"Insufficient attention is given to the well-being of staff and supporting middle leaders to carry out their roles effectively. As well as not demonstrating sufficient strategic leadership, senior leaders do not carry out their operational responsibilities successfully, so the school does not function efficiently on a day-to-day basis.

"Senior leadership roles are not sufficiently clear, well-balanced or equitable. Senior leaders and governors do not hold staff accountable for their responsibilities. Leaders at all levels do not evaluate provision well enough, so are unable to plan for improvement satisfactorily.

"Professional learning to improve teaching and leadership is inadequate. The school does not manage its resources carefully enough, nor does it communicate or engage sufficiently well with parents and the local community."

The school will now draw up an action plan to tackle the recommendations. Interim executive head Mr Forber said: "I agree with Estyn's findings. There are clear and serious weaknesses, particularly in safeguarding, leadership and the consistency of systems and expectations."

The school is now collaborating with Flintshire County Council and Estyn to produce a comprehensive post-inspection action plan. This plan will say how the school intends to rectify safeguarding failures, bolster leadership, enhance behaviour and attendance, raise teaching standards, and restore confidence among pupils, families and staff.

Estyn will review the school's progress on a regular basis, typically every four to six months. Senior education officers at the council will oversee and support the school throughout the process.

Chair of governors Brian Harvey said: "The governing body fully accepts the findings and is committed to working with the executive headteacher, the local authority and Estyn to secure rapid and sustained improvement.

"The safety, wellbeing and education of pupils remain the school's highest priorities. While this report will understandably cause concern, decisive action is underway and leadership is firmly focused on securing improvement for the Flint community."

Claire Homard, chief officer for education and youth at Flintshire County Council, said she was disappointed with the Estyn inspection results at Flint High. The council fully accepts the recommendations for improvement, she added.

"The school had been identified as needing additional challenge and support through the council's school improvement processes and interventions were in the process of being delivered.

"The council has acted swiftly to stabilise leadership and staffing arrangements at the school and is working closely with the interim executive headteacher and governing body to deliver the necessary improvements at pace.

"There have already been a number of positive changes since the inspection in November and the council will continue to monitor the school's progress, providing additional resources as necessary."