Grange Farm Primary School, located in Leeds, West Yorkshire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on March 8 and 9, 2022. The school fosters a positive and friendly environment where pupils take pride in being part of the Grange Farm community. High expectations from adults contribute to a conducive learning atmosphere, ensuring that all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, are ready to learn. This supportive environment leads to pupils being calm, settled, and eager to excel in their studies.
The leadership team has implemented an ambitious new curriculum with detailed plans for each subject, which has positively impacted pupils' learning. Pupils are able to retain important knowledge that aids their future learning. The school promotes kindness among pupils, who report feeling safe and confident that adults will assist them with any concerns. The absence of bullying is noted, and pupils are aware of the steps to take should they encounter any issues.
Grange Farm Primary School offers a variety of activities and events that enhance the curriculum and support personal development. These include educational visits, guest speakers, residential trips, and a range of after-school clubs encompassing sports, drama, and music. The leadership has ensured that enrichment activities continued during the pandemic, maintaining engagement and development opportunities for pupils.
The school excels in its curriculum design, having identified the essential knowledge and skills for each subject. This approach has resulted in pupils acquiring a solid foundation of knowledge, which they can build upon in future learning. For instance, pupils recalled their learning about Linnaeus and classification in Year 4, which helped them understand Darwin and adaptation in Year 6. Teachers create engaging learning experiences, such as dissection demonstrations in Year 6, which enhance understanding of complex topics.
Daily reading sessions are integral to the school’s approach, with teachers selecting books that promote enjoyment and vocabulary development. Early reading preparation begins in the Nursery, where children engage with rhymes and stories, progressing to phonics lessons in Reception. This structured approach ensures pupils develop reading fluency, with additional support for those who may fall behind.
In mathematics, teachers effectively build pupils' knowledge and confidence through well-planned lessons that include recaps and demonstrations. Physical resources and visual aids are utilized to support understanding, particularly for less confident pupils and those with SEND. The new behavior policy has significantly improved classroom behavior, allowing pupils to focus on learning and fostering a positive school culture.
Pupils learn to respect and value diversity through interactions with visitors from various faiths and cultures. Weekly coaching meetings in key stage two allow pupils to discuss important issues, further promoting a sense of community and understanding. The school provides numerous opportunities for pupils to engage in extracurricular activities, including after-school clubs and residential trips, which help develop social skills and confidence.
Governors maintain an accurate understanding of the school’s performance and hold leaders accountable. Teachers report feeling well-supported, with manageable workloads and quality training that facilitates improvement. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with staff trained to address concerns promptly, ensuring pupils feel safe and supported.
While the school has made significant strides, there is a need to fully implement the new curriculum across all subjects to ensure that all pupils achieve a comprehensive depth of knowledge. Continued efforts in this area will further enhance the educational experience at Grange Farm Primary School.
