Yeadon Westfield Junior School, located in Leeds, West Yorkshire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on January 18 and 19, 2022. The school fosters a positive environment where pupils feel happy and safe. The leadership and staff are well-acquainted with both pupils and their families, allowing them to provide tailored support, especially to those in need. The behavior of pupils is commendable, both in lessons and throughout the school, with a system of rewards and sanctions that students find fair and motivating.
The school maintains high expectations for pupil behavior, which cultivates respect among students and staff. Older pupils are entrusted with various leadership roles, which they undertake with enthusiasm. A notable tradition at the school, referred to as the thing in the hall, engages pupils and enhances their learning experience across subjects like science, history, and geography. The curriculum is designed to spark curiosity, with practical experiences that help pupils understand complex concepts, such as the effects of natural disasters.
Reading is prioritized, and the school implements effective strategies to ensure pupils develop strong reading skills by the end of Year 3. The curriculum is generally well-structured, allowing pupils to gain a broad and engaging educational experience. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in subjects like art and design and technology, where the sequencing of key knowledge and skills could be clearer.
Teachers actively promote a love for reading and provide necessary support to help pupils succeed. The school has made significant strides in enhancing vocabulary usage across subjects, utilizing knowledge organizers to highlight essential information. Nevertheless, there is a recognition that this approach needs to be consistently applied across all subjects to maximize its effectiveness.
Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities receive appropriate support, with a dedicated team ensuring that their learning needs are met. The school environment is calm and nurturing, with established routines that help pupils understand expectations. While most parents express satisfaction with the support provided, a minority have concerns regarding behavior management.
The personal, social, and health education program is well-implemented, teaching pupils about healthy relationships and safety. The school encourages understanding of democracy and cultural diversity, with pupils actively participating in school governance through the election of councillors. Although extracurricular activities were limited due to the pandemic, there are plans to expand these offerings in the future.
Staff morale is high, with leaders considering their well-being in decision-making processes. Recent changes to the marking and feedback policy have been positively received, aiming to enhance pupil learning while reducing teacher workload. The school is committed to further developing its wider curriculum and improving the clarity of subject-specific vocabulary.
The safeguarding measures in place are effective, with robust systems for addressing any concerns regarding pupil safety. Staff are well-trained, and there are strong relationships with local services to support families. Overall, Yeadon Westfield Junior School continues to provide a good educational experience, with clear areas identified for future improvement, particularly in curriculum structure and assessment practices.
