Intake Farm Primary School, located in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on June 27 and 28, 2023. The school fosters an environment where all pupils feel welcomed and valued, with a strong emphasis on high aspirations for every student. Leaders at the school actively share examples of potential future careers and success stories from former pupils, which serves to inspire current students. The positive atmosphere is reflected in the pupils' enjoyment of school, their feelings of safety, and their respect for their teachers. The behavior of pupils is commendable, and they report that they can seek help from any teacher when needed. Importantly, the school has effectively addressed bullying, with pupils expressing confidence that it is not tolerated.
Pupils are encouraged to take on various roles within the school, such as participating in the pupil council and serving as ambassadors for different curriculum areas. This involvement fosters a sense of pride and ownership among students regarding their contributions to the school community. The school offers a diverse range of extracurricular activities, including sports and drama, which further enrich the pupils' educational experience. Parents and carers appreciate the support provided by the staff, with many expressing satisfaction with their children's happiness and engagement at school.
The curriculum at Intake Farm Primary School is ambitious and well-structured, beginning in the early years. Teachers demonstrate strong subject knowledge and engage in ongoing professional development to enhance their teaching practices. The school has successfully collaborated with a local trust to improve educational outcomes. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in some foundation subjects where the curriculum is not as effectively sequenced, leading to challenges in pupils recalling prior knowledge.
Reading is prioritized within the school, creating a culture that encourages a love for books among pupils. Early years students begin learning phonics as soon as they start school, ensuring they receive the necessary support to develop their reading skills. Mathematics instruction is also strong, with pupils confidently discussing geometric properties and vocabulary.
Behavior across the school is consistently good, with clear rules established from the early years that help children understand expectations. Pupils are polite and make positive choices, often rewarded with merit stickers for their efforts. The school promotes good citizenship through charitable activities and teaches pupils about the rule of law and democracy, preparing them well for future educational stages.
While the school is inclusive and provides support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, there are concerns regarding persistent absenteeism among some students, which could hinder their learning progress. Leaders are aware of the need to improve attendance rates to ensure all pupils benefit from the curriculum.
Staff members feel supported by school leaders, who are attentive to workload management and work-life balance. The safeguarding measures in place are effective, with a strong culture of safety throughout the school. Staff are well-trained to recognize and respond to potential risks, ensuring that pupils are protected.
In summary, Intake Farm Primary School continues to provide a good educational experience for its pupils, with a strong curriculum, supportive environment, and effective leadership. However, attention is needed to address attendance issues and to further enhance the planning and sequencing of the curriculum in certain subjects.
