Beckingham Primary School, located in Doncaster, South Yorkshire, has recently undergone an inspection on July 9 and 10, 2024, and has been rated as good in overall effectiveness, quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. The school has maintained this good rating since its previous inspection in November 2018.
The school is committed to ensuring that every pupil thrives, with leaders setting high expectations for all students. Pupils are encouraged to embody values such as tenacity, hard work, respect, integrity, vision, empathy, and selflessness. This commitment is reflected in the pride pupils take in earning certificates and stickers for their achievements. Behaviour in the school is commendable, with pupils being attentive in lessons and considerate towards one another. They understand the school's golden rules and recognize their importance in fostering a positive school environment. Instances of poor behaviour are rare and are addressed promptly and effectively when they occur.
Inclusivity is a key aspect of the school culture, with pupils demonstrating a strong understanding of protected characteristics and a firm stance against discrimination. They are well-informed about British values and understand their significance. Pupils are also educated on safety in various contexts, including online safety, community awareness, and emergency situations, ensuring they know how to seek help when needed.
The curriculum at Beckingham Primary School is designed to meet the needs of its pupils and is largely effective. Most subjects are well-planned and sequenced, clearly outlining what pupils are expected to learn at each stage. This structured approach allows for cumulative and logical content development, enabling pupils to retain much of what they learn. For instance, Year 4 and 5 pupils demonstrated impressive recall of their previous learning about states of matter, showcasing the effectiveness of the curriculum. However, a few subjects require further development to ensure that the curriculum is equally comprehensive across all areas.
Reading is a significant focus at the school, with pupils developing a love for literature through exposure to various authors and genres. Initiatives such as in-class rewards, a new reading shed, and special reading events encourage pupils to engage with reading frequently. The phonics programme is well-organized and consistently taught, supporting early learners effectively.
The school is dedicated to supporting pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). These pupils are quickly identified and receive the necessary assistance to access the same curriculum as their peers, achieving commendable outcomes. However, some targets set for these pupils do not adequately address their specific needs, indicating an area for improvement.
In the early years, children are provided with a strong foundation for learning. They are enthusiastic and well-cared for, with staff skilled in enhancing their communication and language skills. Activities are designed to reinforce learning and help children recall previous knowledge. Nevertheless, there are instances where the early years curriculum does not clearly specify the content children are expected to know, which could hinder the assessment of their progress.
The school has developed a comprehensive personal, social, and health education (PSHE) curriculum, exposing pupils to diverse communities and cultures. This curriculum, along with various visits and experiences, prepares pupils well for life in modern Britain.
Leadership and management at Beckingham Primary School are effective, with leaders having a clear understanding of the school's strengths and areas for improvement. Positive feedback from staff and pupils reflects a supportive environment, and parental satisfaction has significantly increased, with all responding parents expressing their willingness to recommend the school.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. However, there are areas identified for improvement, including the need for a more comprehensive planning and sequencing of the curriculum across all subjects and the establishment of clearer targets for pupils with SEND. Additionally, the early years curriculum should consistently outline expected achievements for children to ensure they meet important developmental milestones. Overall, Beckingham Primary School is a well-managed institution that prioritizes the education and well-being of its pupils while striving for continuous improvement.
