Rooks Nest Academy, located in Outwood, Wakefield, West Yorkshire, has recently undergone an inspection on the 13th and 14th of March 2023. The overall effectiveness of the school has been rated as good across various aspects, including the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. This is the first inspection under section five of the Education Act 2005 since the school converted to an academy in February 2012.
Pupils at Rooks Nest Academy express enjoyment in attending this inclusive and welcoming environment. The leadership team has established high expectations for both academic and personal development, fostering a culture of respect and politeness among students. Positive relationships are evident throughout the school, with older pupils serving as role models for younger ones. The commitment of the staff to instill a lifelong love of learning is notable, and pupils demonstrate good behavior during lessons and social interactions. The consistent application of the behavior policy ensures that pupils understand the consequences of inappropriate actions, contributing to a safe and supportive atmosphere.
The school offers a variety of clubs and extracurricular activities, allowing pupils to engage in sports and take on leadership roles such as school councillors and eco warriors. These opportunities help prepare students to become active and positive members of society. The curriculum is ambitious, with leaders identifying essential knowledge and vocabulary in certain subjects, particularly in history, where the curriculum is well-structured. However, there are inconsistencies in how the curriculum is mapped out in other subjects, which can affect the security of pupils' learning.
Teachers employ various strategies to aid pupils in retaining knowledge, including revisiting previous learning. For instance, in music, pupils review past performances to reinforce their skills. Support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities is effective, with appropriate adaptations made to the curriculum. Leaders maintain a clear overview of these pupils' needs, ensuring that teachers are aware of individual requirements during lessons.
In early years provision, leaders have designed a curriculum that encompasses all areas of learning, providing a range of activities for children both indoors and outdoors. However, some aspects of the early years curriculum lack clarity, particularly regarding the vocabulary that children should learn. Leaders recognize this and have plans to enhance this area of practice.
Reading is a priority at Rooks Nest Academy, with a consistent phonics teaching scheme in place. Children are introduced to phonics early on, engaging in activities that help them identify sounds and blend them to read words. Reading materials are well-matched to pupils' abilities, fostering a sense of success and enthusiasm for reading. Regular assessments ensure that any pupils falling behind receive the necessary support.
Pupils demonstrate politeness and understanding towards one another, embodying a strong sense of fairness and equality. They learn about healthy lifestyles and the importance of well-being. Leaders and governors are attentive to staff workload and well-being, providing support and development opportunities for early-career teachers. The governing body effectively balances support and challenge for school leaders, ensuring a collaborative approach to school improvement.
The safeguarding arrangements at Rooks Nest Academy are effective, with thorough records maintained and staff trained to recognize signs of risk. Clear reporting systems are in place, and pupils feel safe within the school environment, demonstrating an understanding of how to stay safe, particularly when using technology. Overall, while the school excels in many areas, there is a need for improvement in the clarity of the curriculum across all subjects to ensure that pupils consistently learn the most important knowledge and skills.
