Summer Lane Primary School in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, has recently undergone an ungraded inspection, which took place from November 15 to 16, 2023. The overall judgement of the school remains good, although the evidence suggests that the grade might not be as high if a graded inspection were conducted at this time. The next inspection will be a graded one, indicating the need for the school to address certain areas for improvement.
Pupils at Summer Lane Primary express enjoyment in attending the school, describing it as a happy and caring environment. They demonstrate friendliness and respect towards one another and the staff. Older students take pride in their leadership roles, such as school councillors and sports leaders, and they appreciate the variety of extracurricular activities available, including music and sports. The school fosters a positive atmosphere, with pupils behaving well and engaging enthusiastically in lessons. Teachers maintain high expectations, particularly in subjects like English and mathematics, where pupils show good learning outcomes. However, there are concerns regarding the effectiveness of learning in some other subjects due to insufficient curriculum planning.
Parents and carers have expressed positive feedback about the school, and staff members take pride in their work. The school is ambitious for its pupils and has made strides in remodelling its curriculum, with some subjects showing effective outcomes. Nevertheless, there is still significant work to be done in developing other subjects, where clarity on key knowledge and progression is lacking. This gap hinders teachers' ability to assess pupils' knowledge effectively and limits leaders' capacity to evaluate the quality of education provided.
Reading is a priority at Summer Lane Primary, with recent investments in staff training to enhance teaching methods. Pupils receive phonics instruction through a well-structured programme starting in early years, and additional support is available for those facing challenges in reading. While early readers have access to appropriate materials, there are instances where texts in other lessons do not align with their phonics knowledge. Older pupils express positive sentiments about reading and share their favorite books.
Mathematics is another subject that pupils enjoy, with teachers effectively explaining concepts and encouraging problem-solving. The curriculum begins in early years, where children learn foundational skills. Pupils with special educational needs are well-supported, allowing them to engage with the same work as their peers.
The thematic approach in subjects like art allows for connections between different areas of learning, although gaps in knowledge persist in subjects such as history and geography. Some parents have voiced concerns about a lack of communication regarding their children's learning.
The school prioritizes personal development, offering a strong personal, social, and health education curriculum. Pupils are educated on online safety and benefit from enriching experiences through trips. The school has established a positive culture around safeguarding, ensuring that pupils feel safe and supported.
Despite the positive aspects, weaknesses have been identified in the governance of the school. A rapid improvement committee has been formed to enhance the governing body's effectiveness, but there is still a need for governors to develop the skills necessary to hold leaders accountable for the quality of education.
In summary, while Summer Lane Primary School has many strengths, including a positive learning environment and effective teaching in certain subjects, it faces challenges in curriculum planning and governance that need to be addressed to maintain and improve its overall quality of education.
