Cherry Dale Primary School, located in Cudworth, Barnsley, has been recognized for its outstanding performance during the inspection conducted on November 12-13, 2014. The school has shown exceptional levels of care and personal support for its pupils, which, combined with excellent academic guidance and challenges, has contributed to its success. Children in the early years quickly develop a love for school and make rapid progress across all areas of learning, thanks to the well-trained staff who provide engaging activities that foster learning.
Pupils in Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 also demonstrate excellent progress in their lessons and overall academic journey. This success is attributed to teachers' skills in planning imaginative activities that captivate pupils' interests. The school fosters a positive attitude towards learning, which significantly contributes to the outstanding progress made by students. By the end of Year 6, pupils achieve exceptionally high standards in mathematics, reading, writing, punctuation, grammar, and spelling.
The curriculum is enriched with a vibrant range of topics that further develop pupils' writing and mathematical skills. Teachers and support staff are adept at recognizing pupils' understanding and quickly intervening to advance their learning. The school environment is characterized by a calm and purposeful atmosphere, built on mutual respect and good humor. Pupils express happiness at school and possess a strong understanding of safety, particularly regarding internet use.
The headteacher's outstanding leadership has been pivotal in the school's progress since the last inspection. Her determination and vision for excellence have propelled the school forward. The leadership team, including the deputy headteacher and assistant headteacher, demonstrates high-quality leadership, effectively supporting and challenging colleagues to ensure all pupils receive a high-quality education. Governors are well-informed and skilled in monitoring the school's performance, holding staff accountable for their responsibilities.
The school is currently developing a new system to track pupils' progress in line with the new National Curriculum, with plans for implementation once finalized. The inspection involved various activities, including lesson observations, discussions with pupils about their experiences, and meetings with school leaders and governors. The inspectors noted the school's commitment to safeguarding and child protection, as well as its effective management of behavior and attendance.
Cherry Dale Primary School is larger than average, with a higher-than-average proportion of disadvantaged pupils eligible for pupil premium support. The school meets the government's floor standards for pupil attainment and progress. Since the last inspection, the school has also supported other local schools, demonstrating its commitment to educational excellence.
To further improve, the school aims to finalize and implement the new tracking arrangements for measuring pupils' progress against the National Curriculum expectations. The leadership and management, behavior and safety of pupils, quality of teaching, and achievement of pupils have all been rated as outstanding. The school provides a nurturing environment where pupils thrive academically and personally, ensuring they are well-prepared for their future educational endeavors.
