Flanshaw Junior and Infant School in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, was inspected on June 11 and 12, 2024. The overall effectiveness of the school is rated as requiring improvement, with the quality of education also falling into the same category. However, the school demonstrates good behaviour and attitudes among pupils, as well as good personal development and early years provision. Leadership and management are identified as requiring improvement, reflecting the challenges faced by the new headteacher and deputy headteacher who have been in their roles since January 2024.
Pupils at Flanshaw are reported to be happy and feel safe, taking pride in their school. The leadership team has quickly recognized areas needing improvement, particularly following disappointing outcomes for pupils at the end of key stage two in 2023. Changes have been initiated to enhance the quality of education, particularly in reading, although some subjects still show insufficient pupil achievement.
The school promotes high expectations for behaviour, resulting in polite and friendly interactions among pupils. Respectful relationships are evident throughout the school, contributing to a calm and orderly environment. Pupils enjoy their time at school, engaging positively during break times, and instances of bullying are rare and addressed promptly.
Personal development is prioritized, with opportunities for pupils to take on leadership roles, such as the junior leadership team. The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including kickboxing and sewing clubs, and pupils have the chance to learn musical instruments. Local trips and residential visits provide additional opportunities for personal growth and the development of new skills.
In early years, the school excels with high-quality provision that inspires children. Staff support learning enthusiastically, fostering independence and cooperation among children. Effective phonics teaching prepares children well for future learning, ensuring that those who struggle receive the necessary support to catch up.
Despite these strengths, the school faces challenges in achieving satisfactory outcomes in other areas of English, particularly writing. In 2023, reading and writing results were significantly below the national average, with some pupils lacking basic skills. Leaders are currently reviewing the English curriculum to ensure that all pupils develop fluency in reading and writing from an early age.
The school is also in the process of reviewing its wider curriculum. While it is broad and ambitious, the sequencing of key knowledge in subjects like history and geography is not clearly defined. This lack of clarity affects assessment practices, leading to gaps in learning that are not adequately addressed. Consequently, pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, do not achieve their full potential.
The school has effective processes for identifying pupils with special educational needs, ensuring they receive appropriate support. The personal development program teaches pupils about safety, health, and respect for diverse cultures and faiths, preparing them for life in modern Britain.
Leadership is committed to improving outcomes for pupils, with clear priorities and improvement plans in place. However, the focus on short-term measures has sometimes detracted from essential curriculum development. Staff report high levels of job satisfaction, and the school fosters strong relationships with parents, who appreciate the pastoral support provided.
The safeguarding arrangements at Flanshaw are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. Moving forward, the school must prioritize systemic improvements and ensure that the curriculum is coherently planned and sequenced to enhance pupil learning and retention of knowledge. Regular checks on pupil understanding are essential to address gaps in learning effectively.
