Conisbrough Ivanhoe Primary Academy is recognized as a good school, as confirmed by its recent inspection. The school is located in Doncaster, South Yorkshire, and serves a diverse student body. Pupils express enjoyment in attending school, highlighting the fun and engaging environment fostered by supportive and caring staff. The high expectations set by the teachers align with the school’s mission to help all students believe, achieve, and succeed. Parents appreciate the positive atmosphere and the commitment of the staff to their children's education.
Students demonstrate courteous and friendly behavior, showing eagerness to discuss their learning experiences. They exhibit good behavior throughout the school day and feel safe, with a strong belief that any issues, including bullying, will be promptly addressed by the staff. The curriculum is designed to be interesting, with students particularly enjoying subjects like mathematics, art, and history. The school has made significant improvements since the last inspection, particularly in the quality of education provided.
The leadership team and governors have worked diligently to enhance educational standards, resulting in strong performance in national assessments, especially in writing and mathematics. This solid foundation prepares students well for their transition to secondary education. Teachers effectively develop students' knowledge and skills across a broad range of subjects, ensuring that foundational concepts are revisited frequently, which aids in retention and application.
Reading instruction is prioritized, with staff demonstrating a solid understanding of early reading skills. Pupils are introduced to reading through books that match their phonetic knowledge, allowing them to progress to fluent reading as they advance through the school. The curriculum has been adapted to include high-quality literature, exposing students to a variety of texts, from classic children's stories to Shakespearean works. However, there is room for improvement in written comprehension tasks, which do not always build on students' existing knowledge.
The school offers a rich array of experiences, including educational trips to theaters, museums, and historical sites. While students enjoy these activities, there is a need for teachers to better connect new learning with prior knowledge in subjects like art and history. Subject leaders are actively working to address this gap.
In the early years, children quickly adapt to the school environment, receiving excellent care and support. The school also effectively accommodates pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they benefit fully from the educational offerings. Staff receive ongoing training to support these students, contributing to their overall achievement.
Pupils are encouraged to engage with their local community, participating in initiatives such as food bank donations during the Harvest Festival. They also have access to various extracurricular clubs, including drama, art, science, and sports.
The safeguarding measures in place are robust, with leaders conducting thorough checks during staff recruitment and providing regular training to staff. The curriculum includes lessons on safety, and any concerns raised are promptly addressed by the leadership team.
To further enhance the educational experience, the school should focus on ensuring that pupils' knowledge in foundation subjects is as strong as it is in core subjects. Additionally, improving the alignment of written comprehension tasks with students' existing knowledge will be beneficial. Overall, Conisbrough Ivanhoe Primary Academy continues to provide a supportive and effective learning environment for its pupils.
