Sandal Castle VA Community Primary School, located in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on October 16-17, 2019. The school is characterized by a strong sense of community, with pupils expressing high regard for their teachers and staff. The supportive environment fosters a family-like atmosphere where staff are well-acquainted with students and their families. Parents have praised the exceptional pastoral care provided, contributing to a happy and safe learning environment for the pupils. The behavior of nearly all students is commendable, as they demonstrate politeness and respect towards one another and visitors.
The school maintains high expectations for its pupils, particularly in reading and writing, where students achieve commendable results. Although mathematics has historically posed challenges, recent changes in teaching methods have begun to address this issue, leading to improved outcomes in this subject area. The school has effectively minimized instances of bullying, with students reporting that such behavior is not tolerated and is promptly addressed by teachers.
Leadership at Sandal Castle is dedicated to enriching the curriculum with a focus on the arts and sports. Pupils have access to a wide range of extracurricular activities, including up to 25 different sports clubs, and they learn to play multiple musical instruments before completing Year 6. The curriculum emphasizes reading across all subjects, ensuring that students can connect their learning experiences and build on their prior knowledge. This approach has resulted in Year 6 pupils making significant progress in reading, surpassing national averages.
Despite these strengths, the school faces challenges regarding pupil attendance, which remains a priority for improvement. Extended holidays taken by families have led to missed learning opportunities, particularly affecting students who speak English as an additional language. The school is actively working to address these attendance issues by engaging with families to highlight the importance of consistent attendance for academic success.
Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities are well-supported, with the special educational coordinators ensuring that all staff are equipped to assist these students effectively. This inclusive approach allows pupils with SEND to participate fully in school life and develop independence in their learning.
In lessons, students exhibit enthusiasm and engagement, contributing to a positive learning atmosphere with minimal disruption. Staff morale is high, with teachers expressing satisfaction with the support they receive from school leaders. New staff members benefit from a well-structured induction process, allowing them to acclimate to their roles and build relationships with pupils.
The school promotes environmental awareness and empathy among its students, encouraging them to support various charities and understand the significance of their actions. The ethos of respect, love, and care is deeply embedded in the school culture, guiding pupils in their interactions and personal development.
The safeguarding measures in place are effective, with staff trained to recognize and address potential risks to pupil safety. The school provides education on online safety and invites professionals to discuss important issues such as mental health and substance abuse, ensuring that pupils are well-informed about the challenges they may face.
Overall, while Sandal Castle VA Community Primary School has many strengths, it must continue to focus on improving attendance and further enhancing mathematics achievement to ensure that all pupils reach their full potential. The commitment of the leadership team and the supportive school community positions the school well for ongoing success.
