Angram Bank Primary School, located in High Green, Sheffield, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on September 21 and 22, 2021. The school is characterized by a strong sense of community, with pupils expressing pride in their school and a clear enjoyment of their educational experience. A Year 5 pupil highlighted the friendly atmosphere, indicating that the school prioritizes a welcoming environment. The school’s core values, which include respect, resilience, and acceptance, are well understood by the students and are integrated into their daily activities.
The leadership at Angram Bank is ambitious, aiming for all pupils to acquire the skills and knowledge necessary for success in life. Staff members share this vision, fostering an environment where pupils are motivated to perform their best. The school maintains a focused atmosphere, allowing for effective learning without disruptions from poor behavior. Instances of bullying are reported to be rare, with pupils confident that any issues will be addressed promptly by the staff. The school offers a variety of clubs and activities, enriching the pupils' learning experiences and allowing them to explore their interests.
Reading is a significant focus at Angram Bank, with leaders committed to ensuring that every child becomes a proficient reader. The school’s approach to reading is well-structured, with a strong emphasis on language and vocabulary development from the earliest days of schooling. This commitment has resulted in pupils who are articulate and capable of using advanced vocabulary. Leaders are currently assessing their early reading instruction to align with recent guidance, ensuring that teaching is tailored to meet the individual needs of pupils.
Teachers at Angram Bank are empowered to lead their subjects effectively, having collaboratively developed a comprehensive and ambitious curriculum. This curriculum is designed to build on prior knowledge, ensuring that pupils engage meaningfully with their learning. The school’s intent is for pupils to know more, remember more, and be able to do more, which is evident in discussions with students and their work samples. Plans are in place to enhance the art and music programs further.
Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities receive strong support, thanks to well-trained staff and efficient systems. The school’s SENCo collaborates with teachers, parents, and external partners to create effective learning plans. The integration of the hearing-impaired resource within the school has been positively received by parents, who commend the support provided to their children. All pupils benefit from targeted sessions designed to address any learning gaps.
The school has established high expectations for pupil behavior, with its values being actively practiced by students. The proactive approach of leaders ensures that they are aware of their pupils' needs and act early to provide support. Lunchtime and break activities are diverse, keeping children engaged and fostering a positive school culture.
Personal development is a priority at Angram Bank, with a wide range of opportunities for pupils to explore their talents and interests. Clubs such as samba dancing and bingo have continued to thrive, even during the pandemic. Participation in these activities is believed to contribute to improved attendance and academic outcomes.
Staff members express pride in their work at Angram Bank, with leaders prioritizing their well-being. The supportive environment fosters professional growth and respect among staff. The school’s safeguarding arrangements are effective, with leaders ensuring that timely support is provided to prevent issues from escalating. The personal, social, and health education curriculum plays a crucial role in developing responsible and empathetic citizens.
While the school has many strengths, there are areas for improvement. Not all staff are fully trained in the school’s early reading approach, which can lead to some pupils not receiving the tailored instruction they need. Leaders are encouraged to ensure that all staff are adequately trained to deliver effective teaching. Additionally, while the curriculum plans are strong in many subjects, there is a need for consistency across all areas, including art and music.
Overall, Angram Bank Primary School continues to provide a good education, with a strong emphasis on reading, personal development, and support for all pupils. The commitment of the leadership and staff to fostering a positive learning environment is evident, and the school is well-positioned for continued success.
