Moor Allerton Hall Primary School, located in Leeds, West Yorkshire, underwent an inspection on September 24 and 25, 2019, and was rated as good in overall effectiveness, quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. This marked a significant improvement from the previous inspection, which rated the school as requiring improvement.
Pupils at the school report feeling happy and safe, with a strong support system in place. The school has implemented a ‘What I want my teacher to know box’ in each classroom, allowing students to express concerns or celebrate achievements. Teachers respond promptly to these notes, fostering a supportive environment. The behaviour policy is well understood by pupils, who feel it is effective. Teachers equip students with strategies to manage their emotions and navigate challenging situations, leading to improved behaviour and a low incidence of bullying.
The school community is characterized by strong relationships between staff, pupils, and families. Many parents describe the school as a caring family. The inclusion of deaf and hearing-impaired pupils is a priority, with British Sign Language being widely used among staff and students. Leaders maintain high expectations for all pupils, who demonstrate enthusiasm for learning and appreciate the development of skills such as resilience and perseverance.
The curriculum is designed with the needs of all pupils in mind, with detailed plans in place for core subjects like English, mathematics, and science. However, some foundation subjects require better planning and sequencing. Leaders are actively working to address these areas. Reading is prioritized, and phonics lessons are structured effectively, although there are concerns regarding the alignment of reading materials with pupils' phonics knowledge.
In the early years, the curriculum is well-planned and responsive to pupils' interests. Staff focus on developing speaking and listening skills through engaging activities. Pupils of all ages show a strong desire to learn and collaborate effectively, supporting one another in their educational journeys. Teachers monitor pupils' work closely, allowing for timely interventions, although some issues, such as incorrect letter formation, may not always be addressed.
Attendance has improved, but it remains below desired levels. The school is committed to working with parents to enhance attendance rates. Personal development is a key focus, with initiatives promoting mental health and well-being. Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities receive appropriate support, ensuring they can access the curriculum alongside their peers.
Leaders are dedicated to continuous improvement, having successfully enhanced behaviour and attitudes towards learning. They ensure staff receive adequate training and support. Governors are knowledgeable about the school's strengths and areas for development, providing both support and challenge to school leaders.
The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with clear policies and well-organized record-keeping. Staff are well-trained and maintain strong relationships with families, fostering a culture of safety within the school. Pupils are educated about potential risks and the importance of reporting concerns to trusted adults.
To further improve, the school needs to enhance the coherence of its curriculum in foundation subjects and ensure that phonics instruction is effective for all pupils. Continued efforts to improve attendance are also necessary, with a focus on removing barriers to regular school attendance. Overall, Moor Allerton Hall Primary School demonstrates a commitment to providing a supportive and effective learning environment for all its pupils.
