Birdwell Primary School, located in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, underwent an inspection on December 13 and 14, 2022, and received an overall effectiveness rating of good. The school has made significant progress since its previous inspection, which rated it as requiring improvement. The quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision were all rated as good.
Pupils at Birdwell Primary School express happiness and enthusiasm for their learning environment. They enjoy their lessons and have developed strong relationships with their teachers and other staff members. The school fosters a culture of curiosity and confidence among its students, who actively engage in discussions about their experiences. During the inspection, pupils were particularly excited about their participation in the nativity production, showcasing their enthusiasm for school activities.
The leadership team is committed to providing a broad and ambitious curriculum that all pupils are encouraged to study. The behavior of pupils is commendable, both in lessons and during social interactions. They appreciate the recognition they receive from adults for adhering to school routines and demonstrating effort in their studies. The school promotes respect among pupils, who are educated on online safety and understand how to maintain their well-being in various contexts. Instances of bullying are rare, and pupils feel assured that any issues will be addressed promptly by staff.
Older students take on leadership roles, such as play leaders, assisting younger children during playtime. The school council members enjoy their responsibilities, and pupils have access to a variety of extracurricular activities, including coding and sports clubs, which contribute to their overall development.
The curriculum has been thoughtfully designed, with subject leaders considering the sequence of learning. For instance, in design and technology, younger pupils develop foundational skills, while older pupils engage in more complex projects. Mathematics instruction emphasizes problem-solving using acquired knowledge. Teachers implement a structured approach in lessons, allowing pupils to revisit prior learning, which aids retention. However, there are instances where key knowledge is not sufficiently emphasized, leading to information overload for some pupils.
A new reading program has been introduced, with staff receiving training to ensure consistent delivery of phonics lessons. This initiative has enabled pupils to apply their phonics knowledge effectively when encountering unfamiliar words. Support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities is strong, with recent improvements in identifying and assisting these students in the classroom.
Pupil behavior is a notable strength of the school, as adults model the expected conduct. The atmosphere in lessons is calm, and pupils demonstrate respect towards adults and pride in their school community. The personal, social, health, and education curriculum is well-structured, promoting healthy relationships and respect for others. Pupils feel safe and supported, knowing they can approach adults with any concerns.
Governors possess a solid understanding of the school and provide valuable expertise to support leadership. Staff feel supported in implementing changes to the curriculum, and parents generally recognize their children's happiness at school. However, some parents have expressed concerns regarding the timeliness and effectiveness of communication from the school.
The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with staff receiving regular updates on local risks and clear procedures for reporting concerns. Leaders maintain meticulous records and ensure timely actions are taken to support pupils in need. Overall, Birdwell Primary School has demonstrated significant improvements and continues to foster a positive learning environment for its pupils.
