Wroot Travis Charity Church of England Primary School, located in Wroot, Doncaster, South Yorkshire, was inspected on January 18 and 19, 2023. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as good, reflecting a positive environment for learning and development. The quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision were all rated as good, indicating a consistent standard across various aspects of the school.
Pupils at Wroot Travis feel emotionally and physically safe, benefiting from a warm and caring ethos that fosters a sense of belonging. Relationships between staff and pupils are built on respect and consideration, leading to a culture of kindness and understanding. The school has a strong anti-bullying stance, with pupils equipped to recognize and address bullying should it occur. They express confidence in the adults at the school, highlighting the presence of trusted adults who support them in times of need. High expectations for behavior and academic achievement are evident, contributing to a positive school culture.
Leaders at the school demonstrate high ambitions for all pupils, ensuring a broad range of experiences throughout their education. The small size of the school is leveraged to create a strong community atmosphere. Significant changes have been made to the curriculum, allowing pupils to gain a broader understanding of the world beyond their immediate surroundings. Subject leaders are aware of the foundational knowledge required for future learning, particularly in early years education. However, there are areas where the precise knowledge and vocabulary expected from pupils are not clearly defined, leading to inconsistencies in teaching.
Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities are quickly identified, and leaders have high aspirations for their achievements. Nonetheless, the support provided in subjects like early reading and mathematics does not always align closely with the specific gaps in knowledge that these pupils have. A new phonics curriculum has been introduced, which helps pupils develop their understanding of sounds and blending them into words. While pupils are identified for additional reading support, the assistance they receive may not always address their specific phonics knowledge gaps.
The school places a strong emphasis on the wider development of pupils, offering numerous opportunities to cultivate character and values through various curricula and activities. Pupils engage in roles such as peer mentors and play leaders, contributing positively to the school community. Extracurricular clubs and activities are plentiful, enriching the pupils' educational experience.
In the early years, there is a clear focus on developing vocabulary and independence among children. Strong relationships between staff and children are evident, and parents are kept informed about their children's progress. A love of reading is encouraged from an early age, with well-utilized book corners and engaging storytelling sessions.
Staff well-being is prioritized, with leaders providing support and time for staff to fulfill their responsibilities. Staff report feeling valued and supported, contributing to a positive working environment. However, some monitoring processes do not yield the detailed information needed to assess the impact of the curriculum effectively.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, with a strong culture of safeguarding in place. Staff are well-trained and aware of local risks, ensuring that pupils are taught how to stay safe in various contexts.
To improve, the school should focus on clearly defining the knowledge and vocabulary in foundation subjects to enhance learning consistency. Additionally, leaders need to ensure that assessment information in early reading and mathematics is detailed enough to inform targeted support for pupils, particularly those working below their peers. This will help close any gaps in learning and ensure that all pupils receive the support they need to succeed.
