Crigglestone Dane Royd Junior and Infant School in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, has been recognized as an outstanding educational institution following its recent inspection on June 26 and 27, 2024. The school is characterized by a friendly and welcoming atmosphere where pupils are polite and considerate. The school sets high ambitions for all students, ensuring that they thrive in an inclusive environment. The commitment to doing the best for all pupils and their families is evident, as the school combines academic rigor with a caring approach. This results in an exceptional quality of education that provides pupils with a strong foundation for their future.
Pupils exhibit exemplary behavior, demonstrating kindness and care from an early age. The relationships between pupils and staff are respectful and positive, with students consistently meeting the school’s high expectations for behavior. They engage in lessons with enthusiasm and show perseverance, which contributes to their overall learning success. The school’s meticulous planning of educational visits enhances the learning experience, with pupils expressing excitement about these opportunities. Leaders ensure that all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, have access to these enriching activities.
The school has developed a highly ambitious curriculum that caters to all pupils, including those with special educational needs. The curriculum is carefully mapped out from Nursery to Year 6, taking into account pupils’ interests and the local context. Teachers skillfully select activities that make learning meaningful, resulting in high levels of engagement and enthusiasm among pupils. The achievement levels of all pupils, including disadvantaged students, are exceptional.
Teachers at the school are highly skilled and consistently deliver the curriculum effectively. They utilize their strong subject knowledge to select appropriate activities that meet the high standards set in the curriculum. The provision for pupils with special educational needs is personalized and adapted to individual needs, ensuring that all students can succeed. Regular checks on pupils’ understanding allow teachers to address misconceptions promptly, enabling students to deepen their knowledge and understanding.
The school’s reading program is comprehensive, inspiring pupils to become enthusiastic and confident readers from an early age. High-quality teaching and support ensure that pupils quickly develop into successful readers. The phonics program is dynamic and engaging, capturing pupils’ interest and fostering a love for reading.
The early years curriculum is designed to prioritize language and communication, with well-trained adults extending children’s learning opportunities. The indoor and outdoor areas are organized to encourage imaginative play, fostering curiosity and resilience in young learners.
Pupils demonstrate positive attitudes towards learning and benefit from a caring and safe environment. Breaktimes and lunchtimes are sociable and pleasant, with pupils showing respect and understanding towards one another. The school’s vision to broaden pupils’ horizons is realized through exceptional personal development opportunities, including various ambassador roles that allow pupils to make a difference in their community.
All members of the school community are dedicated to ensuring the success of every pupil. Governors provide consistent support and challenge to promote continuous improvement. Staff express overwhelming positivity regarding the training and support they receive, while parents appreciate the school’s commitment to their children’s education.
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. This inspection marks the first ungraded inspection since the school was judged outstanding in November 2018, confirming that it continues to provide an excellent education.
