Grange Moor Primary School is a small, welcoming institution located in a rural community in Wakefield, West Yorkshire. The school has undergone changes in its senior leadership team since the last inspection, which took place in May 2019. The current leadership consists of the headteacher, a senior teacher, and the school administration manager. The school has also adjusted its class structure, reducing from four mixed-age classes to three due to a decline in pupil numbers. The school serves 82 pupils, with a higher-than-average proportion of students with special educational needs and disabilities.
The recent inspection, conducted in May 2022, rated the overall effectiveness of the school as requiring improvement. The quality of education was also deemed to require improvement, while behavior and attitudes, personal development, and early years provision were rated as good. The leadership and management of the school were identified as needing improvement. Parents have expressed positive sentiments about the school, highlighting the caring nature of the staff and the supportive environment that fosters individual attention for each child.
Pupils at Grange Moor Primary School feel safe and happy, with strong relationships between staff and students. The school promotes kindness and good choices, and pupils understand the importance of these values in their interactions. However, despite the high expectations set by leaders, the curriculum lacks sufficient planning, which has resulted in some pupils not achieving their full potential, particularly those with special educational needs. Staff do not consistently monitor how well pupils retain what they have learned, leading to difficulties in applying prior knowledge to new learning.
In early reading and phonics, the school has made significant strides, with staff fostering a love for reading across various subjects. The mathematics curriculum is structured, but inconsistencies in teaching methods across different key stages have led to some pupils struggling to grasp the intended curriculum. In subjects like science and history, the order of learning has not been adequately considered, making it challenging for teachers to assess pupil understanding effectively.
The early years provision is well-planned, with activities designed to prepare children for Year 1. However, there are concerns that the resources available may limit opportunities for independent exploration. Pupils benefit from various personal development opportunities, understanding and celebrating diversity, and learning about online safety. While governors are supportive and involved in the school, they have not provided sufficient challenge to leaders regarding the quality of education.
The safeguarding arrangements at Grange Moor Primary School are effective, with staff trained to recognize and report concerns promptly. Pupils are educated about safety, including online safety and the concept of consent. The school has identified areas for improvement, particularly in curriculum planning and implementation, to ensure that all pupils receive a high-quality education. Leaders are encouraged to develop precise and measurable improvement plans to address the weaknesses identified in the inspection. Overall, while the school has strengths in its supportive environment and early years provision, significant work is needed to enhance the quality of education and ensure that all pupils achieve their potential.
