Worthinghead Primary School, located in Bradford, West Yorkshire, has undergone a recent inspection that has resulted in an overall effectiveness rating of good. The inspection took place on May 17 and 18, 2022, and marked a significant improvement from the previous inspection, which rated the school as requiring improvement. The school is characterized by a strong sense of community, with staff dedicated to ensuring that children feel happy and cared for. Parents and carers express high levels of satisfaction, often describing the school as a close-knit family.
In the classroom, pupils demonstrate good listening skills and respect towards both adults and peers. Incidents of bullying are rare, and when they do occur, they are addressed promptly by school leaders. The school has implemented measures to educate pupils on online safety, recognizing the potential risks associated with digital interactions. The playground offers a variety of activities, allowing pupils to engage in games and physical play, which they greatly appreciate.
The personal development of pupils is a priority for school leaders. Opportunities for pupils to take on roles such as digital leaders, ambassadors, and members of the school council are available, fostering a sense of responsibility and leadership. The school also has animals, including chickens and guinea pigs, which pupils care for, helping them develop important life skills and providing comfort during stressful times.
The curriculum is well-planned, with leaders carefully considering what knowledge pupils should acquire and the sequence in which it should be taught. This thoughtful approach enables pupils to build on prior learning effectively. Teachers regularly assess pupils' understanding and adjust their teaching accordingly, ensuring that any gaps in knowledge are addressed. Subject leaders support teachers in delivering the curriculum effectively, although the pandemic has impacted the frequency of monitoring, leading to some inconsistencies in teaching practices.
Pupils express enthusiasm for reading, and the school has recently introduced a new phonics scheme. Staff are committed to providing appropriate reading materials that align with the phonics being taught. While most staff are following the new scheme diligently, a few lack confidence in certain aspects, which can hinder pupils' progress in reading.
In the early years foundation stage, children have access to both indoor and outdoor learning environments, where they engage in a range of purposeful activities that promote their development across the curriculum. Children are encouraged to communicate and collaborate, fostering independence and vocabulary development.
Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities receive effective support, with most following the same curriculum as their peers. Those with more complex needs benefit from a tailored alternative curriculum that meets their individual requirements. The school promotes understanding of diversity, teaching pupils about different faiths and cultures through various activities and visits.
Governors play an active role in supporting and challenging school leaders, ensuring that they are well-informed and equipped to make decisions that benefit the school community. Staff well-being is prioritized, with leaders taking care to consider workload and support needs.
The safeguarding arrangements at Worthinghead Primary School are effective, with staff trained to identify and support children at risk. Leaders are aware of local safeguarding issues and have implemented measures to address them, particularly concerning online safety. The designated safeguarding lead maintains thorough records and collaborates with external agencies to ensure that vulnerable pupils receive the necessary support.
To further improve, the school should focus on enhancing staff confidence in the phonics scheme and reestablishing rigorous monitoring of curriculum implementation to address any variations in teaching quality. Overall, Worthinghead Primary School demonstrates a commitment to providing a supportive and effective learning environment for all its pupils.
