Keresforth Primary School, located in Dodworth, Barnsley, has been rated as good in its recent inspection conducted on 18 and 19 October 2022. The school is characterized by a friendly and inclusive environment where pupils feel happy and safe. The school motto, kindness, progress, success, is evident in the interactions among pupils and staff. Leaders and staff prioritize the well-being of students, ensuring they receive the necessary support to thrive academically and socially. As a result, pupils are well-prepared for their future educational journeys.
The school has established high expectations for pupil behavior, fostering a culture of respect and understanding. Pupils adhere to the school rule of treating others as they wish to be treated, which contributes to a positive atmosphere. Incidents of bullying are rare, and pupils express confidence that any issues would be promptly addressed by staff. The school council actively engages pupils in planning events, such as the Children in Need activities, which further enhances their sense of community and responsibility.
Keresforth Primary School is committed to developing an ambitious curriculum. Leaders have carefully structured the order of topics to build on prior knowledge, ensuring that pupils acquire essential knowledge and vocabulary. In many subjects, teachers are clear about the content to be taught and assess pupils' understanding effectively. However, there are some subjects where the small steps of knowledge have not been clearly defined, leading to gaps in pupils' understanding. This is particularly evident in personal, social, and health education, where some pupils struggle to recall previous learning.
The school provides strong support for pupils with additional needs, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Teaching assistants work closely with teachers to ensure these pupils can participate fully in lessons alongside their peers. The early years provision is particularly effective, with children in Nursery and Reception benefiting from a well-planned environment that fosters confidence and independence. Staff support early reading development, enabling pupils to learn to read quickly and effectively.
Pupil behavior is generally good, with minimal disruption during lessons. Staff provide guidance to those who may struggle to meet expectations, helping them make better choices. The school has a robust system for recording and addressing behavioral incidents, although leaders could improve their analysis of behavior and attendance data to identify trends and patterns.
The school maintains strong partnerships with the local community, and parents appreciate the communication and support from staff. Pupils engage in various extracurricular activities, including maintaining connections with a local nursing home. Leaders are attentive to staff feedback and consider their workload when implementing new initiatives, ensuring that staff receive adequate training and support.
The safeguarding arrangements at Keresforth Primary School are effective. Leaders are aware of potential risks and ensure that staff are trained to recognize and report concerns. Pupils are educated on how to keep themselves safe, including online safety, and they understand the importance of communicating with trusted adults about any issues.
To improve further, the school needs to ensure that the subject-specific knowledge required for all areas of the curriculum is clearly mapped out. This will help eliminate uncertainty in teaching and address the gaps in pupils' knowledge. Overall, Keresforth Primary School demonstrates a strong commitment to providing a high-quality education and a supportive environment for all its pupils.
