Greenhill Primary School in Leeds, West Yorkshire, has undergone significant changes since its last inspection in April 2018. The recent ungraded inspection on September 26 and 27, 2023, confirmed that the school maintains its overall judgment of good. However, the evidence suggests that if a graded inspection were conducted now, the outcome might not be as favorable. The school is currently in a phase of curriculum development, which has been somewhat delayed due to recent changes in leadership. The new headteacher, appointed in September 2022, is focused on enhancing the educational experience for all pupils.
The school has made strides in improving its curriculum, particularly in early reading and phonics, which are now well-embedded. The early years foundation stage curriculum is also a strong point, with home visits establishing a solid partnership between home and school. The school prioritizes communication and language skills, ensuring that children’s vocabulary is developed through engaging learning environments. Children are reported to be happy and thriving, benefiting from new reading materials and consistent phonics instruction.
Participation in sports is another area where the school excels. Pupils engage in various competitive sports, including football and athletics, and the school has received recognition for its involvement in local sports competitions. The school also provides additional opportunities for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring inclusivity in physical activities.
Despite these strengths, the school faces challenges, particularly regarding behavior and bullying. While most pupils adhere to the school's golden rules of being ready, respectful, and safe, some incidents of disrespect and bullying have been reported, including racist incidents. The school has recently revised its lunchtime arrangements to improve behavior, and there is a strong commitment to eradicating bullying entirely.
The quality of education is improving rapidly, with a focus on enhancing the curriculum across all subjects. However, there are still areas that require attention. Curriculum plans in foundation subjects do not yet identify the most important knowledge, which affects pupils' achievement in these areas. The school is working on developing well-sequenced curriculum plans that align with assessments to ensure that all pupils acquire the necessary knowledge.
The school also recognizes the need for ongoing training for subject leaders, many of whom are new to their roles. This training is essential to ensure that all leaders can effectively monitor curriculum implementation. Additionally, the school is addressing the need for a more comprehensive curriculum that fosters pupils' moral, social, and cultural development, particularly regarding understanding different faiths and cultures.
Safeguarding arrangements are effective, although some gaps were identified in the single central record during the inspection. The school is committed to creating a safe environment for all pupils and is actively working to improve behavior and minimize disruptions to learning.
In summary, Greenhill Primary School is making significant progress in various areas, particularly in early education and sports participation. However, it must continue to address behavioral issues, enhance curriculum planning in foundation subjects, and ensure that all pupils feel safe and respected within the school environment. The commitment to improvement is evident, and with ongoing efforts, the school is poised to achieve even greater success in the future.
