Highfields Primary Academy, located in Doncaster, South Yorkshire, has recently undergone an inspection that has resulted in an overall effectiveness rating of good. The inspection took place on February 23 and 24, 2022, and marked a significant improvement from the previous inspection, which rated the school as requiring improvement. The school has established a positive environment where high expectations for pupil achievement are set by leaders. They provide both emotional and practical support to help students meet these expectations, including personalized electronic tablets for use in various subjects. The collaboration between staff and families is evident, with staff actively engaging with parents to offer support and information, which has been well received by the community.
Pupils at Highfields are noted for their maturity and politeness towards one another and staff. They demonstrate a strong understanding of respect and feel confident in the staff's ability to address any issues that may arise, such as bullying. The school promotes kindness and inclusivity, teaching pupils about diverse family structures and the importance of respect for all individuals. Extracurricular activities are well-received, with pupils enjoying various clubs and lessons that enhance their resilience and skills.
The leadership team has effectively managed recent changes, ensuring a smooth transition in leadership roles. The academy advisory body monitors the progress of school improvement initiatives, and trustees provide ongoing support to leaders and staff. The curriculum has been designed collaboratively with other schools in the trust, focusing on essential knowledge for pupils. Teachers utilize a feedforward assessment method to gauge pupil understanding and adjust their teaching accordingly, addressing misconceptions promptly.
While the school follows a structured curriculum, there are areas for improvement. Some teachers struggle to build on prior knowledge effectively, leading to gaps in pupils' understanding of previously taught concepts. Additionally, the implementation of the phonics curriculum requires more rigor, particularly regarding common exception words that pupils need to recognize by sight. Leaders are encouraged to provide further training for staff to enhance their teaching methods and ensure that pupils have ample opportunities to practice reading these words.
The school places a strong emphasis on language and literacy development from an early age, with children in the early years engaging with a variety of stories and receiving tailored support for speech development. This focus continues throughout their education, with teachers actively promoting vocabulary expansion and reading enjoyment. However, there is a need for clarity regarding the teaching of tricky words that cannot be sounded out, as this has not been effectively matched with the reading materials used.
Highfields Primary Academy has successfully worked with families to improve attendance, resulting in very few pupils being persistently absent. The safeguarding measures in place are effective, with a strong culture of safety supported by detailed logs of incidents and proactive communication with families. Pupils are educated on how to keep themselves safe in various contexts, including online safety and resisting peer pressure.
Overall, Highfields Primary Academy has made commendable progress since its last inspection, creating a supportive and engaging learning environment. However, there are still areas that require attention to ensure that all pupils achieve their full potential and retain the knowledge they have learned. The commitment to continuous improvement and the well-being of pupils is evident in the school's practices and leadership approach.
