Carlton Primary School, located in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, underwent an inspection on February 11 and 12, 2020, and received an overall effectiveness rating of Good. The school has made significant improvements since its previous inspection, which rated it as Requires Improvement. The leadership team, including the new headteacher, has established a positive environment where pupils feel safe and valued. The staff is dedicated to ensuring that all pupils succeed and develop positive learning behaviors. Teachers create engaging and memorable learning experiences that help pupils understand and retain information effectively.
Pupils at Carlton Primary School exhibit good behavior both in and out of lessons, with minimal instances of bullying. When conflicts arise, staff intervene promptly to help resolve issues, fostering a culture of respect and friendliness among students. The school encourages leadership opportunities, allowing older pupils to assist younger ones, particularly in reading. Pupils also look forward to various extracurricular activities, including sports and arts, as well as residential trips that begin in Year 3.
The school’s curriculum covers the full range of national subjects, with a coherent sequence of learning established in most areas. However, the implementation of these plans varies across subjects, with some requiring further development. Mathematics instruction is well-structured, enabling pupils to build on their existing knowledge, although there is a need for more opportunities for independent problem-solving. Reading is prioritized, with a strong emphasis on vocabulary and comprehension skills, ensuring that pupils develop fluency and understanding.
The early years curriculum is thoughtfully planned, adapting to children's interests and promoting learning across various areas. Children in the Nursery and Reception classes engage in activities that enhance their literacy and numeracy skills, such as storytelling and practical counting exercises. The school places a strong emphasis on supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they receive the necessary assistance to thrive.
Personal development is a notable strength of the school, with pupils participating in initiatives that promote healthy lifestyles and leadership skills. They learn about positive role models through assemblies and visits from inspiring individuals, which motivates them to strive for their goals. The safeguarding measures in place are effective, with staff trained to recognize and address any concerns regarding pupil safety. The school actively promotes mental health awareness, teaching pupils to manage their emotions and seek help when needed.
Despite the overall positive findings, the school recognizes areas for improvement. Leaders are focused on enhancing the implementation of the wider curriculum and ensuring that all subjects receive equal attention for development. Additionally, there is a need to provide pupils with more opportunities to engage in independent mathematical reasoning and problem-solving tasks to achieve higher standards.
In summary, Carlton Primary School has made commendable progress since its last inspection, demonstrating a commitment to providing a safe and nurturing environment for its pupils. The leadership team is aware of the areas that require further attention and is actively working towards continuous improvement. The school’s focus on personal development, strong safeguarding practices, and a well-rounded curriculum contributes to a positive educational experience for all students.
