Parklands Primary School, located in Leeds, West Yorkshire, has maintained its outstanding status following an ungraded inspection conducted on June 18 and 19, 2024. The inspection revealed that while the school continues to provide a high-quality education, there are indications that a graded inspection might yield a lower rating if conducted at this time. The school is committed to ensuring equal access to educational opportunities for all pupils, offering free educational visits and after-school clubs to promote inclusivity.
The school environment is characterized by a caring culture where pupils are generally polite and happy. Strong relationships between staff and students foster a nurturing atmosphere that supports pupil development. The curriculum emphasizes lessons on equality and fairness, and there is a dedicated provision for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), allowing them to participate in lessons alongside their peers.
Despite the school's efforts to promote respect and equality, there are still some incidents of disrespect related to race, which affect a minority of pupils. Although bullying has been significantly reduced, a few cases of racist bullying persist. The school has high expectations for pupil attainment, particularly following a decline in key stage two results in 2023. However, standards are improving rapidly.
Teachers report that their workload is well-managed, contributing to high morale and a united team. While current pupils are achieving well across the curriculum, the expectations for the most able key stage two pupils in certain subjects, particularly mathematics, are not sufficiently high. This has resulted in work that is too easy for these pupils, hindering their progress.
The school effectively adapts the curriculum for pupils with SEND, ensuring their full participation in lessons. A visiting specialist uses music and movement to engage pupils in the enhanced provision, promoting the development of functional speech for those who are pre-verbal. However, attendance remains a challenge, with over a quarter of pupils frequently or persistently absent. The school takes proactive measures to address this issue, including providing transportation for some pupils and closely monitoring attendance records.
In the early years, the school promotes independence and self-care skills by providing toothbrushes and toothpaste for children, who practice brushing their teeth daily. This initiative supports children in achieving personal development goals. The school has also introduced a new phonics curriculum, ensuring consistent and effective reading instruction.
Most pupils exhibit good behavior in lessons, although some struggle with emotional regulation. The school tailors its responses to meet individual needs, utilizing sensory equipment and providing quiet time for pupils to regroup. The school actively teaches pupils about the unacceptability of racism and has a zero-tolerance policy towards bullying, addressing incidents seriously, although some continue to occur.
Pupils are developing social skills that prepare them for the future, with older students taking on leadership roles to assist younger peers. They demonstrate an understanding of different religions and the principles of democracy, linking their history lessons to contemporary British life. The school encourages financial literacy by providing each pupil with a piggy bank to promote saving.
The safeguarding arrangements at Parklands Primary School are effective, ensuring the safety and well-being of all pupils. However, the school must continue to address the persistent absence rates, which are unacceptably high compared to local and national averages. The school is encouraged to maintain its focus on improving attendance and ensuring that all pupils receive their full educational entitlement. Overall, while the school remains outstanding, there are areas for improvement that need to be addressed to maintain its high standards.
