William Levick Primary School in Dronfield Woodhouse, Derbyshire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on June 26 and 27, 2024. The school is characterized by a strong sense of community, where pupils, staff, and parents collaborate under the ethos of ‘Team Levick.’ Parents express high levels of satisfaction with the care and support their children receive, noting that their children are eager to attend school and excited about learning. The school promotes a culture of hard work and perseverance, encouraging pupils to embrace challenges and understand that success comes with effort.
Pupils generally respond positively to the school’s behavior expectations, demonstrating good conduct and a sense of safety. They are polite and respectful, often celebrating the achievements of their peers. The school fosters a friendly environment where pupils enjoy each other’s company, and older students take on mentorship roles for younger ones, ensuring that all children feel included and supported.
The curriculum has seen significant improvements since the last inspection, with a clear focus on essential knowledge and skills across subjects. Teachers utilize their strong subject knowledge to present information effectively and engage pupils in deeper thinking through thoughtful questioning. While there are effective checks on pupil understanding in core subjects, there is a need for more rigorous assessment in the wider curriculum to ensure that all pupils retain what they have learned.
Support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities is a priority, with teachers adapting activities to meet their needs and tracking their progress against suitable targets. The early reading curriculum has also been enhanced, with staff receiving training to implement a new phonics program. Daily phonics sessions help pupils develop their reading skills, and those who struggle receive additional support to catch up.
Reading is a significant focus at the school, with a culture that encourages pupils to engage with literature. Pupils enjoy listening to stories read aloud and often choose books to read during their free time. The school’s early years provision offers a rich learning environment, promoting literacy and numeracy skills through engaging activities. Children are well cared for and feel safe, with opportunities for cooperative play and exploration.
While most pupils enjoy positive relationships and attend school regularly, the school is committed to addressing any barriers to attendance. There are numerous opportunities for pupils to participate in extracurricular activities, including visits to local sites and leadership roles within the school community. However, there is a noted need for improvement in pupils’ understanding of different cultures, faiths, and British values, as their knowledge in these areas is currently limited.
Staff at William Levick Primary School report feeling well-supported and valued, contributing to a positive working environment. Leaders maintain strong relationships with parents and the local community, and governors provide valuable guidance. The school’s safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring the safety and well-being of all pupils.
To further enhance the educational experience, the school must focus on ensuring that pupils can recall knowledge and skills in foundation subjects and develop a richer understanding of diverse cultures and values. Overall, William Levick Primary School continues to provide a supportive and nurturing environment for its pupils, fostering a love of learning and a sense of community.
