Wakefield St Johns Church of England Voluntary Aided Junior and Infant School has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on September 12 and 13, 2023. The school is characterized by a thriving environment where pupils are supported by strong Christian teachings that form the foundation of the curriculum. The school community benefits from a familial atmosphere, with many parents and carers having attended the school themselves, fostering a sense of trust and safety among staff and pupils.
The school has a notably high proportion of pupils who speak English as an additional language, with numbers increasing as the school welcomes pupils from asylum-seeking families. This diversity is celebrated, and the school actively promotes an inclusive environment that respects different cultures and faith traditions. Additionally, the school has a good reputation for supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, with a higher-than-average number of pupils having education, health, and care plans. The school maintains high expectations for all pupils, and most are achieving well.
Pupil behavior is also a strong point, with clear rules that promote a positive attitude, respect, and safety. Pupils are aware of these expectations and adhere to them, resulting in a harmonious atmosphere during lessons and at break times. The school has implemented effective strategies to support pupils with special educational needs, ensuring they receive the necessary adaptations to thrive in their learning environment.
The school has made significant strides in its early years curriculum, particularly in reading and phonics. Children in Reception Year begin learning to read immediately upon starting school, and the phonics program is well-established. However, while most pupils read at an appropriate level for their age, there is a need for improved strategies to support struggling readers, particularly those learning English as an additional language. The school recognizes this gap and aims to enhance staff training to better meet the needs of these pupils.
Mathematics instruction is another area of strength, with an ambitious curriculum that is effectively implemented. The school has adapted its approach to provide practical work for pupils with special educational needs, which has led to good progress in this subject area. The curriculum across all subjects is designed to recap prior learning, ensuring that pupils build on their knowledge consistently.
Despite these strengths, the school has identified areas for improvement, particularly in adapting the curriculum for pupils learning English as an additional language. Many of these pupils are not achieving as well as their peers, and the school is committed to providing the necessary training for staff to address this issue effectively.
The personal development curriculum is robust, offering a variety of after-school clubs and opportunities for older pupils to engage in discussions about moral and ethical issues. The school fosters an environment where pupils learn about healthy relationships and develop their understanding of important social topics.
Safeguarding measures are effective, ensuring that pupils feel safe and supported. The school has established a positive culture around safeguarding, prioritizing the well-being of all students. Overall, Wakefield St Johns Church of England Voluntary Aided Junior and Infant School continues to provide a good quality of education, with a strong commitment to inclusivity and high standards for all pupils. The school is well-positioned to build on its successes and address the areas identified for improvement.
