Norwich school criticised for attendance records and teaching standards

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 18 Oct, 07:02 · Archive

Ofsted has identified major concerns at Red Balloon Educational Trust in Norwich following a two-day inspection in June. The school, which provides education and therapeutic support for children unable to attend mainstream school due to bullying, mental health, trauma or neurodivergence, was found to have failings in curriculum delivery and teaching standards. The attendance register was not being maintained correctly and there was inaccurate recording of pupil absences. Inspectors concluded that safeguarding procedures were not effective.

The June findings follow an emergency inspection in November 2025 which revealed staff failed to identify and act on 'harmful sexual behaviour' and 'child-on-child abuse'. Several employees left the school following that review, leaving it significantly understaffed. Although the school has since recruited to full capacity, inspectors found curriculum improvements have been slow and the curriculum remains 'under construction'. Staff are not consistently identifying and addressing gaps in pupils' knowledge, and pupils reported being unsure how to improve.

Red Balloon Educational Trust said it is 'fully committed to continuing the improvements that have already been made' and that safeguarding arrangements are now robust. The school acknowledged that further work remains to strengthen the curriculum, teaching, assessment systems, leadership and governance arrangements, and said it is working closely with Norfolk County Council and an external school improvement provider.

How it is being reported

• Norwich school failing to record pupil absences raises concerns in new Ofsted reportOfsted finds teaching and curriculum concerns at Red Balloon Educational Trust based in Earlham Road in Norwich in a new report.Eastern Daily Press · 18 Oct, 06:00
• Norwich school failing to record pupil absences raises concerns in new Ofsted reportOfsted finds teaching and curriculum concerns at Red Balloon Educational Trust based in Earlham Road in Norwich in a new report.Norwich Evening News · 18 Oct, 06:00

In this story: Red Balloon Educational Trust · Norwich · Norfolk County Council

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