Carfield Primary School, located in Sheffield, underwent an inspection on April 19 and 20, 2023, and received an overall effectiveness rating of Requires Improvement. The inspection highlighted several areas needing attention, including the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision, all of which were rated as Requires Improvement. This marks a significant decline from the previous inspection, where the school was rated as Good.
The report indicates that school leaders have been working diligently to implement changes to the curriculum and enhance personal development opportunities for students. However, these efforts have not yet translated into improved outcomes for pupils. Leaders have high expectations for student achievement, but there is a lack of consistent monitoring to ensure that these expectations are being met in practice. While pupils generally feel safe and happy at school, there are instances of challenging behavior that disrupt learning, and the new behavior policy has not been consistently applied across the school.
Pupils have access to a variety of extracurricular activities, including sports clubs and music lessons, which contribute positively to their school experience. However, the curriculum changes, particularly in subjects like history, have not been effectively implemented, leading to varied attitudes towards learning among students. Teachers sometimes struggle to select appropriate resources and materials, which hampers pupils' ability to acquire essential knowledge.
In the early years, the curriculum is organized but lacks personalization to meet the needs of individual children. Interactions between adults and children do not consistently focus on enhancing language and learning, and some activities lack clear purpose, resulting in disengagement from children. While there are opportunities for developing early mathematical skills, reading does not receive the emphasis it requires, despite leaders recognizing its importance.
The phonics program is well-established, with consistent teaching across the school. However, some pupils find certain reading materials challenging, and while interventions are in place for struggling readers, the effectiveness of these interventions can vary based on the training of the staff delivering them. The school has made strides in identifying and supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, but some support plans lack the necessary detail to ensure these pupils receive the precise assistance they need.
Leaders are committed to fostering positive personal development among pupils, but this initiative is still in its early stages. Pupils demonstrate limited understanding of key concepts related to equality and diversity, and their knowledge of different faiths is often unclear. While they can articulate ways to maintain physical and mental health, there is room for improvement in their overall understanding of personal development topics.
The school is currently navigating a period of transition, with leaders striving to provide stability for both staff and pupils. Feedback from parents indicates some concerns regarding communication from the school, which leaders are addressing. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with staff trained to respond appropriately to concerns, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils.
In summary, Carfield Primary School is at a critical juncture, requiring focused efforts to enhance the quality of education and overall school effectiveness. The leadership team must ensure that curriculum changes are implemented consistently, that behavior policies are adhered to, and that all pupils receive the support they need to thrive academically and personally.
