Ireland Wood Primary School, located in Leeds, West Yorkshire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on November 23 and 24, 2022. The school embodies its motto, Immerse, Inspire, Include, which reflects its commitment to inclusion and support for all students. The staff at Ireland Wood Primary School demonstrate a deep care for their pupils and their families, ensuring that those with physical, learning, or emotional health needs receive high levels of support. This nurturing environment fosters a sense of safety and happiness among pupils, who enjoy attending school and appreciate the guidance they receive from adults. The behavior policy is well understood and fairly applied, contributing to a positive atmosphere where bullying is rare.
The school offers numerous extracurricular activities, encouraging all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, to participate. Popular activities include archery and football clubs, which promote teamwork and physical fitness. Leaders at the school have high expectations for pupil achievement, and students are motivated to try their best in class. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in subjects like design technology and computing, where curriculum design is not as robust. Leaders are actively working to address these gaps by refining curriculum plans.
The school is praised for its strong reading program, with pupils expressing a love for reading and engaging with a variety of texts. The phonics program is systematic, ensuring that younger pupils learn letters and sounds effectively. Regular reading assessments help staff provide additional support to those who may be struggling, preventing them from falling behind. Older pupils benefit from a diverse range of reading materials that enhance their writing skills.
The special educational needs coordinator closely monitors the provision for pupils with SEND, ensuring that their needs are met and that they can fully participate in lessons. The curriculum in most subjects is well-structured, allowing pupils to build knowledge over time. In mathematics, for instance, pupils develop confidence and fluency in calculations, enjoying the subject and using appropriate vocabulary to discuss their learning.
While the school excels in many areas, leaders acknowledge that certain subjects require further development. Specifically, the knowledge and content for design technology and computing need to be more clearly defined to enhance teaching and learning. Leaders are in the process of refining these curriculum plans to ensure that all subjects are well represented.
Pupils enjoy immersive learning experiences, which help them retain information. For example, they recall engaging activities related to historical events, such as the Great Fire of London. The early years program is effective, with children quickly settling into school and developing essential language skills through interesting activities.
The safeguarding arrangements at Ireland Wood Primary School are effective, with staff well-informed about the individual needs of pupils and potential local threats. Regular training ensures that staff understand how to report concerns, and robust recruitment processes are in place to protect pupils. The school collaborates with external agencies to ensure the safety of its students, and pupils are educated on how to keep themselves safe, including online safety.
Overall, Ireland Wood Primary School continues to provide a good education, with a strong emphasis on inclusion and support for all pupils. The leadership team is dedicated to continuous improvement, ensuring that the school remains a positive and nurturing environment for learning.
